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| This combination found in 1 sentences out of 122 AFS Technologies provides Software solutions for the food and beverage industry that are guaranteed to improve the bottom line. |
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On Demand.Business Intelligence for Manufacturers.
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AFS Technologies provides software solutions for the food and beverage industry that are guaranteed to improve the bottom line.
We are unique in that we are the only organization who can guarantee the total cost of ownership and improved profitability.
We achieve this through a channel intimacy and by being the technology leader.
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AFS Technologies Acquires Interactive Management Systems, Incorporated AFS Technologies Acquires Motek Information Systems, Incorporated AFS Technologies Acquires IRM Corporation.
AFS Technologies is the leading provider of food and beverage enterprise software solutions.
Over 7,000 industry professionals use our software daily.
The AFS Technologies Advanced Enterprise product suite is designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency, streamline internal processes and assist in regulatory compliance through innovative, comprehensive and user-friendly solutions.
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AFS Technologies Acquires Interactive Management Systems, Incorporated Food & Beverage Technology Leader Enhances Presence in Meat and Seafood Distribution and Processing , March 4, 2009 (Phoenix, AZ) - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , the leading provider of technology solutions to various trading partners across the food and beverage channel, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of 100% of the assets of Interactive Management Systems, Incorporated (IMS).
IMS provides enterprise resource planning (ERP), processing and warehouse management systems (WMS) to clients in the meat and seafood industry.
, With the IMS acquisition, AFS Technologies now provides more than 800 customers in the food and beverage manufacturing, processing, and distribution segments with a broad solutions-based product portfolio, tailored specifically to unique needs of the channel.
This modularly-designed system offers profit-optimizing solutions for Distribution, Sales & Marketing, Financials, Processing, Warehouse Management, Transportation, E-commerce and Database Services, featuring PROFILE®, the industry's largest database of product information and recipes.
, “The acquisition of IMS allows AFS to further enhance its already-powerful presence in the seafood, meat processing and distribution space in the food and beverage channel " , stated Kurien Jacob, Chief Executive Officer of AFS Technologies.
, “AFS' acquisition of IMS represents a very positive step forward for both our customers and our products " , said Merle Von Gruben, President and Chief Executive Officer of IMS.
“We have built IMS from the ground up by providing our clients with state-of-the-art products that have steadily evolved and improved over the years.
AFS' unique ability to leverage its world-class product development resources ensures that the pace of product enhancements and upgrades will accelerate in the future, providing IMS customers with a clear roadmap for technology upgrades at less-than-market costs.
" , This transaction marks the third major acquisition completed by AFS Technologies over the past seven months.
In August 2008, the company acquired IRM Corporation (Dallas, TX) and Motek (Beverly Hills, CA).
These recent transactions have complemented AFS' other acquisitions of Sales Partner Systems (sales automation for distributors), Astra (ERP and processing systems for seafood providers) and DMS (ERP systems for food and beverage distributors), creating unrivaled channel intimacy in the food and beverage space.
, About AFS Technologies, Incorporated , AFS Technologies Incorporated is the leading provider of software solutions for the food and beverage industry.
The company now serves over 800 customers across North America and the Caribbean with licensed and software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency, optimize profits, streamline internal processes and assist in regulatory compliance.
AFS offers the industry's only complete end-to-end software suite, utilizing service oriented architecture (SOA) and the Microsoft .NET framework.
This unique, modularly-designed system offers solutions for Distribution, Sales & Marketing, Financials, Processing, Warehouse Management, Transportation, and Database Services featuring the industry's largest database of product information and recipes, the PROFILE Database.
For additional information please visit the company's website: www.afsi.com.
, About Interactive Management Systems, Incorporated , IMS has been providing creative and comprehensive software solutions for food distributors and processors since 1981.
IMS' Enterprise Resource Planning products focus on providing complete integrated company information from the processing room to customer delivery.
All IMS solutions utilize the full spectrum of technology, including wireless data collection, to provide management with current accurate information to make timely and accurate decisions.
, , For more information:.
, Jim Gaspar , Sir Vice President - Sales & Marketing , AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (602) 522-8282 , jgaspar@afsi.com.
, ,.
AFS Technologies Acquires Motek Information Systems, Incorporated AFS Technologies Acquires Motek , Food & Beverage Technology Leader Enhances Portfolio with Powerful WMS Offering , August 29, 2008 (Phoenix, AZ) - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , the leading provider of technology solutions to the food and beverage channel, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Motek Information Systems, Incorporated , the provider of Priya®, the , award-winning Warehouse Management System (WMS) used by a number of the food and beverage industry's leading manufacturing and distribution companies.
, With the Motek acquisition, AFS Technologies now provides more than 750 customers in the food and beverage manufacturing, processing, and distribution segments with a broad solutions portfolio tailored specifically to the unique needs of the channel.
This modularly-designed system offers solutions for Distribution, Sales & Marketing, Financials, Processing, Warehouse Management, Transportation, E-commerce and Database Services featuring the industry's largest database of product information and recipes, the PROFILE® Database.
, “The acquisition of Motek allows AFS to further enhance its already-powerful presence in the Warehouse Management and 3PL System space in the food and beverage channel, " stated Kurien Jacob, Chief Executive Officer of AFS Technologies.
“The additional functionality available within the Priya® system ensures that AFS will continue to offer its customers the most comprehensive, ‘best-of-breed' WMS solution available in the Findustry.
" , “AFS's acquisition of Motek helps us overcome the main objection we get during our sales process- that we are too small.
With the leadership position that AFS has in the food and beverage segment, this will no longer be a constraint, " said Ann Price, President and Chief Executive , Officer of Motek.
“We have built Motek from the ground up by providing our clients with state-of-the-art WMS products that have steadily evolved and improved over the years.
AFS's ability to leverage its resources ensures that the pace of penetration in this segment will accelerate.
Our , existing customers will benefit from the increased resources available for development and technology upgrades.
" , “All of us at AFS are committed to continuing to provide our customers in the food and beverage channel with the most complete portfolio of state-of-the-art technology solutions available, all tailored to address the specific needs of our customers involved in the food and beverage supply , chain, " added Walter Barandiaran, Chairman of AFS Technologies.
“The Motek acquisition underscores that commitment to product leadership and innovation, especially in the WMS space.
" , About AFS Technologies, Incorporated , AFS Technologies Incorporated is the leading provider of software solutions for the food and beverage industry.
The company serves over 750 customers across North America and the Caribbean with solutions designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency, increase sales and margins, streamline internal processes and assist in regulatory compliances.
AFS offers the industries only complete end-to-end software suite utilizing service oriented architecture (SOA) and the Microsoft .NET framework.
This unique modularly designed system offers solutions for Distribution, Sales & Marketing, Financials, Processing, Warehouse Management, Transportation, and Database , Services featuring the industry's largest database of product information and recipes, the PROFILE Database.
For additional information please visit our website: www.afsi.com.
, About Motek Information Systems, Incorporated , Since 1989, Motek has been developing cutting-edge Supply Chain Execution software solutions to help businesses streamline their warehousing and distribution operations.
The company's , innovative use of intelligent hand-held radio frequency mobile computers in a true client/server architecture takes mobile computing and warehouse management to a new level of performance.
This mobile client approach makes Priya®, the award-winning Warehouse Management System (WMS), a truly scalable solution.
Priya® is a highly-configurable WMS solution uniquely designed to allow users to accommodate changes in their business processes or changing customer requirements.
AFS Technologies Acquires IRM Corporation.
AFS Technologies Acquires IRM Corporation , Combination Creates Unrivaled Leadership in Technology Solutions for Food & Beverage Clients , August 29, 2008 (Phoenix, AZ) - AFS Technologies, Inc (AFSI), the leading provider of software solutions for the food and beverage industry, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of 100% of the , shares of Dallas-based IRM Corporation, the market leader in software-as-a-service (SaaS) business intelligence and trade promotion management solutions for the food and beverage channel.
, AFS and IRM together provide 700-plus customers in the food and beverage manufacturing, processing, and distribution segments with a broad solutions-portfolio tailored specifically to the channel.
This unique, modularly-designed system offers solutions for Distribution, Sales & Marketing, Financials, Processing, Warehouse Management, Transportation, E-commerce and Database Services featuring the industry's largest database of product information and recipes, the PROFILE® Database.
, “The acquisition of IRM will enable AFS to bring even greater value to our combined customers in the food and beverage channel by further enhancing the functionality and utility of our diverse portfolio of best-of-class solutions, " said Kurien Jacob, CEO of AFS Technologies.
“Both companies have experienced strong growth in the past by providing our respective customers with solutions in a modular fashion, addressing , their needs.
IRM adds to that concept in that any customer, irrespective of their main system, can deploy IRM solutions.
" , “The IRM family is excited to be a part of the AFS team, " stated Art Harding, Chairman and CEO of IRM Corporation.
“We built our company by focusing exclusively on the food and beverage channel, and building , solutions that address the unique needs of our clients in the industry, " said Dean Abrams, IRM's President and COO.
Harding added “AFS shares that same focus and commitment and, together, the two , entities have the unique ability to provide our 700+ customers with a depth of channel intimacy and understanding that is unparalleled by any other technology company today.
" , “IRM also adds an experienced management team to AFS.
The team out of the Dallas office will continue to manage the SaaS business for AFS and soon offer more integrated SaaS offerings to the industry, " said , Walter Barandiaran, Chairman of AFS.
The company serves over 500 customers across North America and the Caribbean with solutions designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency, increase sales and margins, streamline internal processes and assist in regulatory compliances.
AFS offers the industries only complete end-to-end software suite utilizing service-oriented architecture (SOA) and the Microsoft .NET framework.
This unique modularly designed system , offers solutions for Distribution, Sales & Marketing, Financials, Processing, Warehouse Management, Transportation, and Database Services featuring the industry's largest database of product information and recipes, the PROFILE Database.
, About IRM Corporation , IRM provides both on-demand and on-premise business intelligence, forecasting and trade promotion management solutions to manufacturers, distributors and brokers in the food, beverage, and CPG industry - all delivered in a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model.
For additional information, please contact Jim Gaspar at (602) 741-0925, or visit www.irmcorporation.com.
, More info on AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS >>.
Press Release:.
, AFS Technologies Announces New Financial Reporting Application.
AFS ERP.
Fully integrated, enterprise-wide distribution and financial software.
Order Entry Screen, (click to enlarge).
Product Master Screen.
Suggested Order Entry Screen.
More screens:.
Inventory Inquiry.
, Billback Processing Update.
AFS ERP provides a complete, end-to-end distribution and financial system specifically designed for the food distribution and processing industries, utilizing a single database to integrate your company's departments and business processes across functions in real-time.
The fully integrated and extensive functionality offered consolidates disparate, legacy applications, stove-piped data and replaces manual processes, improving operational efficiency and increasing profits.
AFS ERP is specifically designed to optimize your entire business process, saving valuable cost & manpower resources.
, More info on , AFS ERP.
AFS ERP provides the food industry with the most comprehensive, scalable and user-friendly core enterprise solution available.
As a second generation product, AFS ERP combines best practice features with design based on input from thousands of active user-identified functional needs.
An evolution from the first generation AFS FoodDistribute, AFS ERP is not only a comprehensive and user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) solution, but is scalable - accommodating up to 300 users, allowing the system to grow with your organization.
Ideal for single or multiple locations, AFS ERP can be networked in-house, or through remote access.
An optional Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) module.
can also be integrated to provide eCommerce capabilities and seamless integration between AFS ERP and third-party modules.
Character-based solutions are also available as an option for those who do not prefer Microsoft Windows-based software.
The standard AFS ERP package includes:.
- Order Processing, - Purchasing, - Receiving, - Inventory Management, - General Ledger, - Accounts Payable, - Accounts Receivable, - Standard Warehouse Management.
- Integrated Customer Service , - Pricing & Discounting, - Deal & Vendor Rebate Tracking, - Sales Management & Commissions, - Delivery, - Shipping & Transportation, - Product Selection.
Additional modules can be included, or seamlessly integrated at a later time depending on the needs of each individual client:.
Third party software partners create additional value and functionality through seamless integration into the AFS Advanced Enterprise system:.
- UPS Logistics ROADNET.
, - Vocollect Talkman Voice Directed WMS.
The AFS Advanced Enterprise Solutions Suite provides comprehensive and accurate tools needed to maximize your supply chain efficiency.
, " The software has excellent features and allows us to much more intelligently manage our customer relationships, says Bob Sylvester, Controller, Seder Foods Corporation.
" Now our inside and outside sales people can quickly and easily provide our customers with real-time information.
We can accurately manage pricing, forecasting, and purchasing activity down to the individual customer level in accordance with our contracts.
We can also better manage product code dates from the manufactures, thus ensuring that our customers have adequate time to maximize their profitability, and not discarding short coded merchandise.
".
Seder Foods, Success Story.
, Case Study - , Lomar Distributing.
AFS WMS.
Wireless bar code scanning warehouse management system with voice automation option.
Supervisor's Slot Parameter Screen , (click to enlarge).
Receiving Order Data Screen.
Shipping Order Screen.
More screen shots:.
Main Menu.
, Receiving Screen.
, Cycle Counting.
, Picking.
, Product Summary Inquiry.
, License Plate Inquiry Screen.
, Receiving Order Check-In Screen.
, HAACP Temperature Inspection Screen.
, Reconcile Screen.
, Receiving Check-in Screen.
AFS WMS utilizes wireless bar code scanning to reduce operating and administrative costs while improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Working in conjunction with AFS ERP or other back end systems, the combined solution creates an automated, paperless, Warehouse Management System that increases product movement accuracy from vendor receipt to customer invoicing.
Employees and managers can update and access highly accurate inventory status and transaction data in real-time using AFS WMS.
, More info on , AFS WMS.
AFS WMS improves inventory management and control by significantly reducing paper and manual processes through computerized automation, data accuracy, inventory control, warehouse efficiency and labor productivity.
Utilizing the wireless barcode scanning system, all data is seamlessly integrated into the core distribution and financial system.
AFS Technologies has a long history of implementing WMS solutions and has helped many customers achieve dramatic warehouse operational improvements through sophisticated picking algorithms & directed warehouse activity.
Knowing where your inventory is located and by rotating stock, spoilage and waste are typically reduced up to 10%.
Employee productivity is typically increased by up to 15% and overall warehouse efficiency improves by as much as 20%.
Reductions in inventory cost of 2-5% are typical and picking errors are practically eliminated with 99.5% picking accuracy achieved.
An overall increase in company profitability of 1-3% is achievable by adding AFS WMS alone.
AFS WMS Advantages:.
Monitor all warehouse activities from the AFS WMS system including receiving, picking, letdown/ replenishment, cycle counting and shipping.
All food specific functionality is included, such as random weights, partial case quantities, lot and code date control, and product holds.
Catch weighted items are addressed through the UCC-128 format.
Industry standard bar code formats are supported with the ability to create case, pallet and location license plates.
AFS WMS software is compatible with major handheld manufacturers including PsionTeklogix, Symbol and others.
Add accountability, inventory control and accuracy with AFS WMS.
Aids " one up, one down " traceability and reporting compliance with US FDA Bioterrorism Act.
, " In the food distribution industry traceability and inventory management are key to maximizing efficiency and ensuring product safety.
Our AFS warehouse management system enables us to quickly locate our products.
" , Kurt Anderson, Vice President of Distribution, JGROUP , Press Release:.
AFS Announces New Release of RF-Based Warehouse Management System Giving Distributors Improved USFDA Compliance and Productivity.
AFS Technologies Releases Complete Accounting and Financial Application Continuing its Modular AFS ERP.NET Roll-out.
More info on AFS FINANCIAL REPORTING module >>.
AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS.
Complete Accounting and Financial Application including General Ledger, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Financial Statements.
AP Voucher Entry , (click to enlarge).
Customer Master , (click to enlarge).
Vendor Master , (click to enlarge).
Other Screens:.
Cash Application.
, Sales Tax.
AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS is a sophisticated, third-generation financial management application specifically designed for the food and beverage industry.
With an appealing, easy-to-use Graphical User Interface (GUI), the application offers both a functional and technical update to older character based systems and forms the basis of AFS ERP in .NET.
Thousands of food industry professionals use the company's first and second generation applications daily which has provided a field proven foundation from which to build this new, industry-leading application.
AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS can easily interface to AFS and non-AFS ERP software packages.,.
, More info on , AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS.
General Ledger.
Accounts Receivable.
Accounts Payable.
, AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS General Ledger creates detailed audit trails for all transactions.
This totally integrated module has definable segment accounts, drill down options to source documents, and easy end of the month reporting.
The General Ledger module records all of your business transactions including details of the sale and payment from the customer, the products ordered from vendors, invoices received, and payments made to vendors.
By managing all of the General Ledger tasks for your organization, financial professionals can perform daily reconciliations, updates and close the general ledger at period or year end, plus manage journal entries.
Features:.
General Ledger configuration flexibility to support large corporations with automatic roll up capability.
Profit center financial reporting.
Comprehensive company/departmental reporting.
Inter-company accounting for consolidations.
Compare profit and loss and balance sheet financial reports.
o Current to historical , o Budget to actual.
Detailed monthly budgeting by account.
On demand inquiry capabilities to view account information drill down from trial balance to source.
Reporting capabilities include reports to review transactions.
Report writer using Crystal Reports for quick and flexible formatting of statements.
Recurring journal entries with automatic reversals.
No monthly closing restrictions and repeatable annual close process.
Journal Entries and Set Up.
Multi-Division,.
Multi-Location,.
Multi-Warehouse ,.
Multi-Language,.
Multi-Currency,.
Five user-defined segments for chart of accounts,.
Unlimited journal entry,.
Detailed journals for review and balancing,.
Recurring standard with automatic reversals,.
Automated allocation by percentage,.
Quick setup with auto-populated sub-accounts,.
User defined posting rules to automate system transactions.
Financial Statement Formatting.
Line item account summarization,.
Allocation of account,.
Allocation of one line to another (e.g., 20% Administration total to an Operating Department),.
Budgets,.
User definable reports.
Fiscal Period Definitions.
Flexible setup,.
Multiple close dates.
History by G/L Account.
Drill down to source documents.
Financial Statement.
Drill downs trial balance to source.
Actual vs Budget.
Statistical Accounting.
Financial Reports & Inquiries.
Income Statement,.
Balance Sheet,.
Cash Flow Statement.
Other.
Bank Reconciliation calculates the bank balance and book balance from transactions in the system and allows users to view and reconcile the bank statement on screen and drill down to view/modify the corresponding balances from the statement.
Automated cash flow projection forecasting tool.
Business ratios for trending & analysis using system provided data.
, AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS Accounts Receivable provides detailed, client specific accounts receivable information allowing accounting professionals to view credit status, payment history and ADO/DSO trends.
When combined with integrated, on-line collection features, companies using this application can increase available cash on a monthly basis.
The Accounts Receivable module helps you manage and process any collections that come into the company, including customer payments, credits, and all other information.
Also in this module you can keep notes on customers, view their credit history, assess late charges, and print statements.
Features.
View online real-time receivable transactions by customer,.
View receivables information, on demand, both open and paid ,.
Credit and prior payment history available for all customers with comments ,.
Allows payment for both balance forward and open item with speed entry and automatic matching of invoices based on total check amount received from customer ,.
Define aging terms and finance charges for each of your customers ,.
Assess late charges for invoices not paid on time ,.
Invoice by item detail history for each follow-up on outstanding invoices ,.
Multiple formats of statement printing with delinquent notice ability ,.
Daily sales outstanding formulas for credit management control,.
Aging reports in detail and summary for management and sales personnel ,.
Collect electronically to eliminate the handling, processing and storage cost of paper invoices.
Receive your customer payments with electronic funds transfer (EFT).
Customers are set up as EFT payors for a paperless payment.
Using Automatic Clearing House (ACH) processing, your customers sets you up as being able to draft money from their account.
This eliminates processing checks since you draft the amount due directly from their account.
Credit/ Collection tools.
On-line collection features,.
Customizable statement frequency by customer,.
Dunning letters,.
COD Plus balance is added to invoices,.
Tickler date follow-up,.
On-line payment reference,.
Service charges.
Customer Credit Features.
Customer definable credit hold parameters,.
Disputed invoice tracking,.
NSF and ADO trends,.
Detailed descriptions and comments.
Customer Master.
Quick Cash Application.
Auto-apply,.
To invoice from customer index,.
By status,.
Range of invoices,.
Turbo entry,.
Allows application of unapplied credits or cash-on-account,.
Option to flag partial payments as disputed invoices,.
Calculates cash discounts automatically based on invoice terms,.
Allocates using cash groups or customers,.
Cash entry using Lockbox,.
Ship to, Bill to, Credit to functionality,.
Auto-applied NSF charges with tie-back to invoice,.
Write-off options.
Reports/Inquiry.
Definable A/R inquiry with aged trial balance,.
Ability to drill down to source document,.
Aged trial balance reports set by date,.
Credit hold reports.
Pricing by market segment.
, AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS Accounts Payable is tightly integrated into purchase order management, creating the perfect environment for three-way matching.
This module also feeds your cash needs requirements based on criteria you set to forecast cash flow.
Accounts Payable maintains your company's complete AP information.
Manage vendor invoices including reconciling receiving to the invoices, handling open invoices, and printing checks.
The module helps you track, pay and take advantage of any vendor discount for prompt payment of invoices.
On-demand status inquiry of vendor accounts online.
Checks paid history review, per vendor, with easy drill down selections.
On-demand inquiry capability for open and paid invoices.
Create accurate reports to determine cash requirements.
Recurring payment coding Automated 1099 processing.
One check per vendor with explanation and invoice number on check stub.
Duplicate invoice detection split and partial payment processing.
Manual and void checks detailed through the system.
Payment of one-time miscellaneous vendors.
Check reconciliation.
Automatic reversal of void checks and canceled checks with option to reinstate.
Automate your payment process to know when to pay so that you can be prompt, on time, and even early to get any vendor discounts.
Optional automatic printing of checks prior to due date so discounts are not missed.
Pay electronically to eliminate the handling, processing and storage cost of paper invoices.
Pay your vendor bills with electronic funds transfer (EFT).
Vendors are set up as EFT vendors for a paperless payment.
Full integration with General Ledger.
Vendor Master Maintenance.
Multiple term codes.
Invoice Entry.
Batch entry,.
AP/PO matching with tieback (3-way match),.
Pre-defined GL,.
Automatic discounts,.
Partial payment schedules,.
Duplicate invoice notification,.
Recurring invoices.
Check Processing.
Payments selected by pay date, discount date, or vendor,.
Definable pay dates,.
Payment hold options,.
Definable maximums per vendor,.
Foreign currency,.
Reports/ Inquiry,.
Check reconciliation,.
Batch review,.
Check printing,.
AP/PO variance,.
To-pay list,.
Vendors with debit balances,.
Cash Requirements.
Costing by product line.
I was excited and very impressed with the functionality and flexibility demonstrated by these new tools, as it will make it easier for clients like us, who are on a legacy, character-based system, to move to the .NET architecture, without having to purchase an entire new system.
AFS's technology strategy offers great value and flexibility to clients like us.
Vince Cigliano, an owner of Santa Monica Seafood Company, and President of AFS's Customer Advisory Board.
AFS Technologies Announces New Demand Forecasting and Replenishment Solution and Establishes Center of Excellence for Buyer Education.
AFS REPLENISH.
Advanced Demand Planning and Replenishment System.
With AFS REPLENISH, leverage your inventory as a tool to maximize sales, cash flow and customer service.
Buyer Central, User Home Screen.
Order Entry Screen.
AFS REPLENISH enables companies to service customers at superior levels and still meet inventory levels that minimize cash requirements.
Until now, companies have often managed replenishment by making the trade-off between hitting customer service goals and meeting corporate cash and profit needs.
AFS REPLENISH improves management of both by enabling companies to service customers at superior levels, while maintaining inventory levels that minimize cash requirements.
The cash released from unnecessary inventory investment is critical for driving the strategic growth goals of the organization.
, More info on , AFS REPLENISH.
AFS REPLENISH is a robust solution that until now was only available to the largest of companies.
The statistical, historical analysis and complex formulas of our demand forecasting and replenishment software are based on proven techniques and utilized throughout the industry to show tremendous returns for distributors of all sizes.
ADVANCED CAPABILITIES:.
Demand Forecasting.
Self-adjusting formula manages trends at the SKU, item, location, category, and company level, or many others.
Manages seasonal demand forecasting.
by defining historical patterns in demand and predicting periodic uplifts and downturns.
Anticipates inventory replenishment needs.
and creates " smarter " replenishment orders that provide optimal customer service with minimal inventory investment.
Performance Management Tools.
allow management and users to create and analyze what-if scenarios and evaluate the effect of changes in inventory policy prior to implementation.
Automatically determines safety stock levels.
by item and location to meet your desired fill-rate goals.
Automated order generation.
allows the system to notify you when it's time for replenishment of a vendor line to meet fill-rate and optimize profitability, or set order days to vendor schedules.
Orders built to brackets.
Replenishment orders are automatically built to constraints, such as paid-freight minimums or truckloads.
Item and Vendor level economics.
define the most cost-effective time supply of product to buy at both the item (individual) and vendor (joint) level.
Exception management tools.
adjust for unusual circumstances or prompt users to review and take action only on items that fall outside acceptable tolerances.
Pattern.
new item demand forecasts after similar or related items.
AFS REPLENISH was designed with the help of several industry demand forecasting and replenishment experts.
These consultants are available to assist with the implementation of our solution and the on-going support of your buyers and management team at your facility or the AFS Center of Excellence for Inventory Management in Marietta, GA.
Buyers are also invited to join a buyer community and onsite discussion board.
Our goal is to assure that AFS REPLENISH is a complete turnkey solution, not just a software package.
Thousands of replenishment professionals, or Investment Buyers' in Retail and Wholesale Distribution hold the keys to the bottom line profit of their organizations.
Buyers require and deserve more than technical training on systems.
The solution is a complete Buyer Professional Development Program that prepares the buyer to maximize a company's return on their inventory investment.
Our consultants help your buyers and management team to:, Understand the 7 steps for managing inventory as a profit center., Learn how to avoid the common pitfalls buyers face each and every day, Manage inventory to increase customer service, cash flow and profit.
The end-to-end approach that we take with AFS REPLENISH helps improve cash flow to get your company out of the bank, into expansion mode or enabled to meet other strategic goals you may have.
Improved inventory management in the food industry typically yields 15% inventory reductions and half a percent increases in customer service levels.
Apply those numbers to your company, and then ask yourself thiswhat would I do with that money?,.
The goal of this solution is to find the proper balance of inventory to optimize cash flow to fuel acquisition, expansion, market penetration, the introduction of new customer programs and other strategic goals of the organization.
Typical results for a $50 million foodservice distributor using this solution are a 15% inventory reduction, a fill-rate improvement of .5% and a first year bottom-line impact of $75,000.
AFS Business Intelligence System.
Sophisticated Management Reporting and Trend Analysis Software.
Admin Screen , (click to enlarge).
Executive Dashboard.
Products.
Executive Dashboard Main.
Sales Analysis.
Export Any Report.
Reporting and Analytical Solutions Based on Your Needs.
Every organization needs easy, rapid access to their data, and often, there is a need for deeper analysis that includes drill-down, trend comparisons and ranking summarized results.
That is why AFS offers the AFS Business Intelligence System (AFS BIS).
AFS BIS incorporates the latest advances in usability and security using a web browser interface and offers a true interactive reporting experience.
Whether you need to quickly summarize large amounts of data into usable reports or look at trends, or summarize and analyze data to make key business decisions, AFS BIS provides a complete solution for your organization's reporting needs.,.
, More info on , AFS BIS.
AFS BIS is based on MicroStrategy 8 Platform and provides users of all types of AFS distribution and financial applications the tools to gather, manage, distribute, and analyze data to improve strategic and tactical decision making.
Additionally, users are given the ability to create reports with the goal to improve business process, track trends, identify under-performing categories and underlying root causes.
MicroStrategy 8 Platform has proven to be the analytical reporting tool of choice for thousands of users worldwide wanting to maximize the success of their analytical reporting projects.,.
AFS Business Intelligence System Advantages:.
Create customized reports that can be assembled and updated in seconds.
Navigate swiftly from summary totals to finer-grained subtotals.
Sort by summarized totals and compare results through easy-to-navigate drill-down menus.
Use dynamic graphics and charting capabilities.
Track key metrics at a glance through innovative dashboards.
Export to popular formats, such as Microsoft Excel.
Flexible and complete user-level security.
AFS Operational Reporting Advantages:.
Meet operational, regulatory, production, and end-user reporting needs easily and economically.
Add or remove columns, sort, filter, and total based on multiple columns, all within seconds.
Create reports simply by clicking buttons and selecting easy-to-understand fields from lists viewed within your Web browser.
Quickly access reports containing tens or hundreds of thousands of rows.
Uses an optimized data cache to avoid impacting the operational system.
Easily export report results to Excel.
User-level security to assure only appropriate access to information.
AFS WEB.
Customer self-service order management over the Internet.
Increase customer satisfaction while increasing sales, margins and reducing costs using web order management software from AFS.
Create New Order Screen, (click to enlarge).
Shopping Cart.
Shopping Cart Checkout.
Profile Code Maintenance.
Customer Order Inquiry.
Order Guide Print.
Retail Price Maintenance.
, More info on , AFS WEB.
This tightly integrated product with the different ERP products AFS supports (an API is also available to interface to other back end systems) connects to your company's business management system from any location with internet access providing your customers the convenience, accuracy and ability to enter orders themselves, 24 X 7.
Key features include quick order entry, order guide order entry, past order history and trends, order to par, real-time pricing and inventory, item detail: history/buying trends, like items, email notification from host, the ability to configure individual customer profiles and customer ability to change suggested retail price (SRP).
AFS Advanced Enterprise Web Order Management Advantages:.
Allows customers to enter and manage orders via the internet.
Connects to business management (ERP) software from any location with internet access.
Convenient 24 X 7 self-service.
Provides accurate, real-time pricing and inventory information for ordering.
Order guides with buying history & trends.
Extensive reporting for sales and general management.
, AFS Advanced Enterprise Web Order Management solution provides your customers, sales force and management the tools needed to maximize efficiency and increase sales effectiveness and results.
AFS Technologies Expands Sales Force Automation Product Line, Releases Standard and Enterprise Edition Remote Order Management Laptop Software.
>>.
Productivity enhancing mobile order management software for laptops or handheld PCs.
AFS Standard Edition Laptop.
AFS Enterprise Edition Laptop.
AFS Handheld.
Increase sales, customer satisfaction and field force efficiency by allowing sales people and customers to enter orders in the field using AFS MOBILE Sales software.
Mobile sales automation software gives your sales staff or customers remote access to ERP data using a laptop or handheld PC or PDA.
Mobile sales automation allows for faster order entry, eliminates double entry and keying of data, provides customers with more accurate, real-time info and promotes efficient customer communications.
Orders are rapidly transmitted and updates received via the internet using all major types of modems and wireless communications standards.
Many hardware and accessory (bar code scanning, printer) options are available.
, More info on , AFS MOBILE Sales (Standard Edition Laptop).
Give your DSRs the consultative sales building tools they need to help customers make good purchasing decisions and make every sale a profitable sale.
AFS Standard Edition Laptop helps your remote sales team increase account and line item penetration while boosting GP$ and percentage.
Interfaced to your ERP system for regular updating, the application provides DSRs with accurate and up to date information and complete access to your master product list with the ability to maintain customized order history files for each account.
Pricing and inventory are calculated directly on the laptop.
Powerful margin maintenance capability lets DSRs know the profitability and commission (if desired) of a particular sale at a particular price level.
Features cover ordering, order guide creation and maintenance, customer routing, sales tools, prospect management, pricing, inquiries and reporting.
AFS Standard Edition Laptop is the successor product of the fully featured Raven laptop application used for years by thousands of DSRs daily rewritten on the state-of-the art Microsoft .NET technology platform.
Customer Search Screen, (click to enlarge).
Product Search Screen.
AR Report Screen.
Calculator.
, Category Ordering.
, Family and Group (product line/class) ordering.
, Order Guide.
, Order Header & Summary.
, Other Tabs.
AFS Standard Edition Functional Highlights include:.
Easy order entry and customer search.
Maintain order guides with updated history, item changes and order guide grouping.
Easy navigation including automatic item matching.
Search by product description to match all related products.
Display push items, catch weights, discontinued, flagged for deletion, seasonal, etc with user defined colors.
Toggle between cost, margin and estimated commission.
Perform price overrides.
View detailed product information and images.
Recipe planning and order builder food cost management.
Real-time pricing and inventory editor with updates using wireless cards available.
Wine sales features.
Many reports and reporting options available.
Interfaces to your AFS supplied or your current distribution and financial software.
, More info on , AFS MOBILE Sales (Enterprise Edition Laptop).
AFS Enterprise Edition Laptop helps your remote sales team increase account and line item penetration while boosting GP$ and percentage.
Pricing and inventory are calculated on the ERP system and supplied to the laptop to ensure the sophisticated customer pricing strategies frequently used at large distributors are reflected on the salesperson's laptop.
Order Entry.
, Order Totals.
, Product Detail.
AFS Enterprise Edition Functional Highlights include:.
Easy navigation including automatic item matching, complementary or replacement product suggestions.
Handheld PC and PDA Solution Functional Highlights:.
, More info on , AFS MOBILE Sales (Handheld).
Access customer detail such as contact information, terms, credit limit and AR balance.
View product details such as brand, description, line and unit of measure.
View pack, weight, tare, Ti/ Hi, extended description and UPC.
Enter orders using order guides, bar code scanning, and view history and credit returns.
Search history, products, customers and maintain the order guide.,.
, With AFS Handheld, customers and sales staff will have the ability to access critical data such as order status, available inventory, current pricing and other information contained within your host system.
Users connect to the web to access mission critical data in real-time, check availability, close sales, enter orders and confirm products anytime, anywhere.
AFS Handheld Advantages:.
Access and utilize your ERP data anytime, anywhere.
Increase sales, customer satisfaction and field force efficiency through portable/ remote data access.
Enter orders, or analyze inventory in the field.
Compatible with most hardware with many accessory (bar code scanning, printers, etc.) options.
Mobile sales automation solutions provide your customers and sales force the ability to access data quickly, and respond anytime, anywhere.
, " Using the software, we've found that it saves us 10 minutes per order in the distribution center and 15 minutes per order at the store level too, " said Ed Wahlenmaier, Purchasing & Inventory Manager.
" With two orders a week to over 100 stores, the increased productivity can really add up !.
Plus, it has brought our order entry accuracy to 100%.
, Case Study - , Packers Distributing.
, Press Release:.
, Announces New Mobile Delivery Automation Solution.
BENEFITS.
Reduced driver time per stop.
Streamlined checkout and settlement.
Fewer incorrect deliveries.
Reduced inventory count time.
Better inventory and accounts receivable management.
Reduced product loss and shrinkage.
Reduced order processing errors.
Lower administration costs.
AFS MOBILE.
Delivery Productivity enhancing mobile delivery automation software for handheld PCs.
Used for Driver Delivery, Route Accounting, Route Sales, and Direct Store Delivery (DSD).
Ideal for pre-sell and off-truck/peddle sales functions.
Driver Delivery and Route Accounting Uses.
Provide your delivery personnel with the tools needed to quickly and efficiently deliver orders using a mobile handheld device, accessing AFS ERP data anytime, anywhere.
Increase customer satisfaction and driver efficiency through mobile delivery automation software.
software allows for quick check-in, time tracking, credit returns, payment collection and signature capture, all from a handheld PC, PDA or Windows compatible handheld scanning device.
Stop Selection Screen, (click to enlarge).
Order Check-In Screen.
Credit Return Screen.
Credit Return Notes Screen.
, Payment Collection Screen.
, Signature Capture Screen.
, Ending Mileage Screen.
, Time Entry Screen.
, Driver Login Screen.
, More info on , AFS MOBILE Delivery.
The optional DEX interface allows your driver to instantly download data directly into your customers' systems through an integrated EDI transaction.
Delivery details such as quantity, price, etc can be transmitted to your customers' systems, while any corrections or adjustments can be sent back to the handheld device to update your system.
DEX streamlines the entire delivery process for you and for your customers.
Mobile Delivery Automation Functional Highlights:.
Quick Check-in/ Check-out with barcode scanning, flexible interface and credit return capabilities.
Time tracking, including start of day, arrival/ departure, maintenance breaks, end of day.
Instantly create credit memos.
Easy payment collection with driver reconciliation, payment acceptance and payment reporting.
Capture and store signatures.
AFS MOBILE Delivery Advantages:.
Access and utilize your AFS ERP data anytime, anywhere.
Increase delivery efficiency while reducing time needed through portable/ remote data access.
Provides drivers the tool to automate their delivery process by eliminating paper through the signature capture capability.
Compatible with most hardware, operating systems and accessory (bar code scanning, printers, etc.) options.
Route Sales and Direct Store Delivery (DSD) Uses:.
AFS MOBILE Delivery can also be in for Route Sales and Direct Store Delivery situations to allow your retail, foodservice or vending delivery drivers to create orders at the point of delivery.
Manage Truck Inventories.
Driver Confirms Beginning Inventory.
System Builds Truck Replenishment Orders.
Count Truck Inventory Function with reconciliation to host counts.
Daily Route Activities.
Driver's Delivery Schedule.
Customer Stops.
Delivery of Pre-Orders, 2.
Par Customers - Easily create orders to fill shelves, 3.
Planned Pickups, 4.
Point of Delivery Credits, 5.
Pull Out of Date Product, 6.
Take special orders for future delivery, 7.
Collect Cash and Signature capture, 8.
Scanning option.
Manage Customer and Truck Pars.
Drivers can manage Customer Par Levels.
Truck Par Level suggestions based upon % of customer pars.
Driver Check-in.
Daily Reconciliation of Cash Collections.
Periodic Truck Inventory Reconciliation.
Par Order Screen, (click to enlarge).
Signature Capture Screen.
Delivery Screen.
Increase customer satisfaction and delivery efficiency with the ability to access critical data to streamline the entire delivery process with AFS MOBILE Delivery.
, " Companies using route accounting solutions have achieved significant improvements in overall route productivity in terms of reduced driver time per stop, streamlined checkout and settlement, fewer incorrect deliveries and reduced inventory count time, " David Krebs, Mobile & Wireless Practice Director of Venture Development Corporation.
Inventory and accounts receivable are managed better, product loss and shrinkage is reduced, order processing errors are reduced and administration costs are lowered.
AFS PRODUCTION.
Integrated production management.
software for processors and distributors.
Production Screen, (click to enlarge).
Production Screen.
AFS Advanced Enterprise Production Management Software streamlines true production cost tracking, yield of finished products, and packaging and ingredients planning.
It provides the tools and information to schedule production and allocate inventory to meet real and forecasted demand.
With full process definitions and tracking, the software helps control production at each stage of the process and offers the flexibility to modify formulas to accommodate value-added processing.
Actual production variances to standards can be measured, costed and priced accordingly.
Furthermore, AFS PRODUCTION provides extensive lot code, date and country of origin (COOL) tracking information allowing for extensive One up, One Down traceability reporting required by the Bioterrorism Act of 2002.
Users can also customize HACCP tracking through the easy-to-use user defined fields.
, More info on , AFS PRODUCTION.
AFS PRODUCTION tracks all components and costs associated with value-added production.
True production costs are generated with actual costs calculated from work-in-progress or raw material (market, inventory, rollup or standard cost), by-products, packaging, labor, and overhead.
The Production solution also calculates the variance of actual to standard costs and yield.
Formulas can be modified with alternative components and defaults to conform to a specific customer group.
Multiple formulas are combined to streamline the process and are tracked at each stage, from the raw material or separate components to the finished, accurately yielded product.
AFS PRODUCTION Advantages:.
One up, one down traceability reporting.
Track and control true processing cost, yield and variance.
Packaging and ingredients usage.
Scale interface/ auto production entry.
Full process definitions and tracking.
Lot, Code Date, and Country of Origin (COOL) tracking.
HACCP tracking.
Manage, track and control all aspects of your processing or manufacturing business while providing absolute compliance with the Bioterrorism Act of 2002 with AFS Advanced Enterprise Processing Solutions.
, AFS Named Approved Technology Supplier by UniPro FoodService, Incorporated.
, Through a 27 year history of exclusively serving the food industry, AFS Technologies understands the challenges food distributors face and offers comprehensive, integrated software solutions that improve business efficiency and managerial control through real-time information tools.
These tools strengthen customer relationships, increase sales, improve employee productivity, reduce operating expenses, and streamline regulatory compliance.
Solutions utilize relational databases to integrate your company's departments and business processes across functions in real-time.
Information only needs to be keyed-in once into a single system eliminating errors and redundant activities while providing sales, customer service, warehouse departments and general management to drive profitability and gain competitive advantage.
Foodservice Distributors.
Whether your company is a broadline, a system, or a specialty distributor supplying food and related products to restaurants, institutions, and other food away from home foodservice operations, AFS Technologies offers solutions to the problems that keep you up at night.
Our fully integrated, end-to-end business software solutions engineered to solve problems specific to the foodservice industry help drive profitability and gain competitive advantage.
Our customers are members of the largest buying groups including UniPro, Progessive Group Alliance, Federated Group, Frosty Acres and Golbon, and include leaders in prominent industry associations such as the International Foodservice Distributor's Association (IFDA) and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI).
Many rank in the ID Top 50 distributor list.
Wholesale Grocery Distributors and Self-Distributing Retailers.
Whether your company is a wholesale grocery distributor supplying dry grocery, frozen items, fresh meat and fish, dairy, fresh fruit and vegetables, candy, tobacco, disposables, etc., to supermarkets and convenience retail stores, or a self-distributing retail chain using your own distribution center(s), your business has specific needs and requirements.
AFS Technologies understands these needs and offers full featured food distribution specific solutions.
Our customers are industry leaders in prominent associations such as the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).
AFS Technologies solutions deliver tangible business benefits by:.
Increasing Customer Satisfaction and Sales.
The AFS Advanced Enterprise product suite provides accurate, real-time business reporting of pricing, costing and inventory quantities and values in multiple units of measure ( incl.
catch weights), down to the single case ID with code dating and lot tracking.
Inventory is tightly controlled while the field sales force (DSRs) have the confidence that on- hand inventory quantities and values are accurate, that pricing and costing data in multiple units of measure are accurate, and that customers will receive what they ordered when delivery was committed.
The product suite also offers 5 different ways to enter and manage orders in both online (internet) and off-line modes using a laptop, PC or other type of mobile computing device.
This ability is tightly integrated with AFS ERP distribution and financial software and provides your customers, DSRs, and your in-house customer service representatives the convenience, accuracy and ability to enter orders themselves, 24 X 7, while in the office or on the road.
Improving Margins.
Comprehensive pricing, margin and credit rules and controls are built into the application with easy set up and maintenance.
Products are sold at the right price and margin based on the right cost.
The product suite includes an automated vendor deal and rebate tracking system to allow distributors to easily and accurately record and report the data needed to receive the maximum allowable vendor rebates.
Typically, customers have increased sheltered income by 20-30% over manual rebate tracking processes.
Improving Operational Efficiencies and Reducing Overall Operational Costs.
Available integrated forecasting and purchasing supply chain management software helps buyers improve buying practices and optimize inventory investments.
Service levels are improved, lost sales are reduced, margins are increased and excess stock is eliminated through improved forecasting and purchasing decisions.
This helps improve inventory turns and reduces cash consumption and carrying costs as well.
Automated Warehouse Management using Wireless Bar Code Scanning is a major operational efficiency and cost cutting driver.
AFS Technologies has a long history of implementing these solutions and has helped many customers achieve dramatic warehouse operational improvements through sophisticated picking algorithms & directed warehouse activity.
An overall increase in company profitability of 1-3% is achievable through AFS Advanced Enterprise Warehouse Management alone.
Route planning & truck loading optimization software offered in partnership with UPS Logistics Technology helps you manage your transportation department more efficiently.
The daily route optimization tool Roadnet will help reduce transportation costs and increase driver accountability.
Territory Planner optimizes sales and delivery territories, while MobileCast can provide real-time delivery management and route execution.
In all, our integrated solutions help customers find more effective ways to manage deliveries, load vehicles more efficiently, reduce transportation costs, increase driver accountability and improve customer service.
Route accounting/ DEX driver delivery solutions for delivery automation allow drivers to use mobile, handheld computers to input sales, returns, cash receipts, expenses and inventory transactions at the customer site.
The information is then transferred to your company's back end system via a wireless or dial-up connection.
This solution reduces the time spent on paperwork, eliminates line item extension errors, pricing errors, and eliminates office data entry errors, while allowing your driver to add extra stops per day without adding additional work hours.
Route accounting solutions are ideal for delivering short shelf-life products to businesses on a regular basis.
Business trend analysis & reporting solutions combine Crystal Reports with a choice of comprehensive, yet simple-to-use business intelligence packages to provide easy-to view graphical reports of critical operational information in your company's ERP system.
Astra System Meat & Poultry Solutions >>.
AFS Technologies has a dedicated history of serving the meat and poultry processing and distribution industry and intimately understands the specific needs of companies dealing in weight-based, perishable products.
So whether you sell or pack beef, pork, lamb, or veal or sell or process broilers, fryers or turkeys, our fully integrated, end-to-end business software solutions can help your company drive profitability and gain competitive advantage.
Our customers are industry leaders and are active in prominent associations such as the American Meat Institute (AMI), North American Meat Processors Association (NAMP), and the National Meat Association (NMA).
Through a 27 year history of exclusively serving the food industry, AFS Technologies understands the challenges, meat and poultry processors and distributors face and delivers real-time information tools needed to strengthen customer relationships, increase sales, improve employee productivity, reduce operating expenses streamline regulatory compliance and overall business efficiency and managerial control.
AFS Technologies focuses on the needs of food companies dealing in weight-based perishable products.
The ability to buy, pack, cost, price, sell and report products using multiple methods at the unit, case, pallet and lot level is inherent within our solutions with full absorption costing.
This applies from the earliest part of the purchasing process throughout sales, plant floor operations, warehousing, delivery, customer invoicing and financial and regulatory reporting.
This accurate, real time information, gives your sales department the confidence to make customer commitments and provides the rest of the organization with the tools to efficiently deliver on that promise !.
Sales people know what is (or will be in inventory) so they can sell the right product and quantity at the right price and margin.
This results in a higher order completion rate, more lines per order, fewer short deliveries, and better customer satisfaction.
Push items can be identified through the easy to use order entry screen to help move product.
Customers can place and you can deliver last minute orders past the current cutoff and make the normal truck run instead of either losing the sale or sending another truck at a loss to maintain customer satisfaction.
Price lists and order guides match meaning the price on the sales order matches the price sheet which can be emailed or faxed automatically.
Standing substitutions minimize shortages or unacceptable substitutions.
Available automatic email notification alerts sales reps to cancelled order items so that customers can be contacted and suggested substitute items.
By accurately capturing demand, purchasing can buy and the plant floor can cut to meet real demand to ensure accurate purchasing with lower overbuys and minimal lost sales.
Improving Plant Floor Operations and Employee Efficiency.
Through integrated information systems, sales orders are sent electronically to the production floor in real-time by department/operation or by pick list.
This increases cutting and packing efficiency.
Raw materials are pulled from inventory in the exact amounts needed to meet wave, route and order requirements.
The integrated solutions offer a real time interface with wash down computer stations complete with interfaced scales and bar code labeling for accuracy & tracking for COOL (tracking by lot, item and wild or farm raised designations), HACCP, Bioterrorism Act, and all USDA requirements.
ADC (Automated data collection) using bar code scanning is employed throughout.
Load checking at the dock provides automated verification at truck loading that all products produced and picked are on the proper truck to match what was ordered and produced with what is shipped and billed.
This prevents orders from being loaded on the wrong truck or that require out of process handling from missing the shipment and becoming not on truck inventory.
Because ADC (Automated data collection) using bar code scanning is employed throughout, there is far less inventory shrinkage and theft.
Improving Warehouse Operations and Employee Efficiency.
Using scanning, employees can cycle count and verify the accuracy of the entire freezer's contents and verify inventory in the cooler in minutes instead of hours due to the tracking of real time inventory.
Scanning minimizes unknown losses and shortages between periodic counts.
Providing Streamlined Regulatory Compliance.
Tracking by lot, item and vendor for compliance with COOL, HACCP, Bioterrorism Act and USDA using bar code labeling and scanning.
Eliminate the need to keep separate regulatory records to maintain compliance.
Astra Systems Seafood Solutions >>.
Due to the nature of dealing with weight-based perishable products, seafood processors and distributors face numerous challenges to effectively and efficiently run their fast-paced businesses.
Through a 27 year history of exclusively serving the food distribution and processing industries, AFS Technologies understands the specific needs of seafood distributors and processors, and offers comprehensive, integrated software solutions designed to streamline internal processes and increase overall profitability.
AFS Technologies intimately understands the needs of food companies dealing in weight-based perishable products.
This accurate, real time information gives your sales department the confidence to make solid customer commitments and provides the overall organization with the tools to efficiently deliver on that promise !.
Sales people know what is (or will be in inventory) so they can sell the right spec.
and quantity at the right price and margin.
A unique Available to Sell feature provides accurate, real-time availability, costing and pricing of fish not yet processed.
Sales people know the full cost and gross margin of quantities based on whole or cut fish terms based on standard yields and inbound deliveries.
They also know the real time pricing of cut fish based on availability and raw material cost through yield of whole fish.
Push items can be identified through the easy- to-use order entry screen to help move product.
Customers can place last minute orders past the current cutoff allowing you to fulfill the order with a scheduled delivery instead of either losing the sale or the added expense of a second truck run to maintain customer satisfaction.
Price lists and order guides are updated together, ensuring the price on the sales order matches the price sheet which can be emailed or faxed automatically.
Immediate, automatic email notifications can be sent to alert sales reps of cancelled order items so customers can be contacted and suggested substitute items.
Through integrated information systems, sales orders are sent electronically to the production floor in real-time by department/operation or by pick list, increasing cutting and packing efficiency.
Raw material is pulled from inventory in the exact amounts needed to meet wave, route and order requirements.
With Bar Code Scanning, employees can cycle count and verify the accuracy of the entire freezer's contents and verify inventory in the cooler in minutes instead of hours due to the tracking of real-time inventory.
" We have just experienced the smoothest conversion that I've seen in 25 years.
All of the preparation, planning and testing paid off.
I ca not say enough positive things about AFS and the way they performed.
" , Santa Monica Seafood.
, Santa Monica, CA.
, AFS to Provide Major Mid-Atlantic Specialty Distributor New Integrated Distribution and Financial Management Solution.
Warehouse-distributed candy, tobacco, snacks, beverages, general merchandise and health and beauty care items account for more than $85 billion US in annual sales to convenience stores, grocery stores, drug stores, tobacco shops, mass merchants, newsstands, concession stands, gift shops, fundraising groups, restaurants and institutions.
AFS Technologies, with a 27 year history of exclusively serving the food industry, understands the challenges candy & tobacco distributors face and offers comprehensive, fully integrated software solutions to improve business efficiency and managerial control.
Features specific to candy & tobacco distributors include comprehensive rebate tracking, as well as federal and state tax stamp requirements.
Our customers include industry leaders are active members of prominent industry associations such as American Wholesale Marketers Association (AWMA), the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI).
Automating Unique Requirements Facing Candy and Tobacco Distributors.
Solutions provide distributors with detailed sales reporting formats and rebate tracking for MARS, RJR, Phillip Morris, US Tobacco, Adams, and Brown and Williamson, as well as controlled substance reporting.
Kitting feature allows for the reporting of cigarette tax to multiple government agencies, whether you pre-stamp or post-stamp.
Inventory is tightly controlled while your field sales force (DSRs) will have the confidence that on-hand inventory quantities and values are accurate, that pricing and costing data in multiple units of measure are accurate, and that customers will receive what they ordered when delivery has been committed.
This ability is tightly integrated with AFS ERP and provides your customers, your DSRs and your in-house customer service representatives the convenience, accuracy and ability to enter orders themselves, 24 X 7, while in the office or on the road.
Typical customers find sheltered income increases by 20-30% over manual rebate tracking processes.
Improving Operational Efficiencies and Reduced Overall Operational Costs.
Service levels are improved, lost sales are reduced, margins are increased and excess stock is eliminated.
through improved forecasting and purchasing decisions.
Automated Warehouse Management.
using Wireless Bar Code Scanning is a major operational efficiency and cost cutting driver.
AFS Technologies has a dedicated history of implementing these solutions and has helped many customers achieve dramatic warehouse operational improvements through sophisticated picking algorithms & directed warehouse activity.
An overall increase in company profitability of 1-3% is achievable simply by using the AFS Advanced Warehouse Management.
Route planning & truck loading optimization.
software offered in partnership with UPS Logistics Technology helps manage your transportation department more efficiently.
In all, our integrated solutions help customers find more effective ways to manage your deliveries, load your vehicles more efficiently, reduce transportation costs, increase driver accountability and improve customer service.
Route accounting/ DEX driver delivery solutions.
for delivery automation allow your drivers to use mobile, handheld computers to input sales, returns, cash receipts, expenses and inventory transactions at the customer site.
The information is then transferred to your company's business management software system through a wireless or dial-up connection.
This solution reduces time spent on paperwork, eliminates line item extension errors, pricing errors, and eliminates office data entry errors all while allowing your driver to add extra stops per day without adding additional work hours.
Business trend analysis & reporting.
solutions using Crystal Reports with a choice of comprehensive, yet simple-to-use business intelligence packages from partners Cognos or MITS provides easy-to view graphical reports of critical operational information in your company's AFS Advanced Enterprise system.
, , " We could not have been happier with the results that we've seen from the wireless scanning system.
We've saved money in so many ways that it's tough to calculate a total return.
Plus the implementation and system usage by my employees has been great.
" , Pat Blinn, Vend Catering Supply.
, Santa Fe Springs, CA.
Vend Catering Supply is a mid-sized vending distributor located in suburban Los Angeles.
Read their success story Vend Catering Supply using the FoodScan wireless bar code scanning warehouse automation system.
, Case Study - , Vend Catering Supply.
Desiring good-tasting, healthy meals yet often pressed for time, consumers are increasingly turning to the chilled and frozen foods found at their local retailer for Home Meal Replacement (HMR).
With 98% of foodservice operations utilizing refrigerated and frozen foods for solutions to year round availability, product consistency, labor costs, portion control, quality, ease of storage and food safety challenges, the market for refrigerated and frozen foods is estimated at over $200 billion annually and growing steadily !.
AFS Technologies customers use the accurate, real-time information provided by our fully integrated, end-to-end business software solutions to make better business decisions and better serve their customers.
Through a 27 year history of exclusively serving the food industry, particularly companies handling weight-based perishable products, AFS Technologies has the software, innovation and experience needed to drive profitability and competitive advantage for refrigerated and frozen food distributors nationwide.
The AFS Advanced Enterprise product suite utilizes a single database to integrate your company's departments and business processes across functions in real-time.
Information only needs to be keyed-in once into a single system eliminating errors and redundant activities while providing accurate, real-time business reporting of pricing, costing and inventory quantities and values in multiple units of measure (incl.
random weights), down to the single case ID with code dating and lot tracking.
Inventory is tightly controlled while your field sales force (DSRs) will have the confidence that on-hand inventory quantities and values are accurate, that pricing and costing data in multiple units of measure are accurate, and that customers will receive what they ordered when delivery was committed.
The product suite also offers five different ways to enter and manage orders in both online (internet) and off-line modes using a laptop, PC or other type of mobile computing device.
This ability is tightly integrated with AFS Advanced Enterprise Business Management and provides your customers, DSRs, and your in-house customer service representatives the convenience, accuracy and ability to enter orders themselves, 24 X 7, while in the office or on the road.
AFS Advanced Enterprise includes an automated vendor deal and rebate tracking system to allow distributors to easily and accurately record and report the data needed to receive the maximum allowable vendor rebates.
Current customers experience sheltered income increases of 20-30% over manual rebate tracking processes.
Available integrated forecasting.
and purchasing supply chain management software helps buyers improve buying practices and optimize inventory investments.
Employee productivity can increase up to 15% and overall warehouse efficiency can improve by as much as 20%.
An overall increase in company profitability of 1-3% is achievable, all by streamlining your business with AFS Warehouse Management.
AFS Technologies works closely with partner Psion Teklogix to offer hand-held scanning terminals designed to function in the harshest freezer environments in temperatures as low as 22 degrees F Route planning & truck loading.
optimization software offered in partnership with UPS Logistics Technology helps manage your transportation department more efficiently.
The daily route optimization tool Roadnet will help to reduce transportation costs and increase driver accountability.
Territory Planner optimizes sales and delivery territories, while MobileCast provides real-time delivery management and route execution.
Information is transferred to your company's business management software system through a wireless or dial-up connection.
Business trend analysis & reporting solutions.
combine Crystal Reports with a choice of comprehensive, yet simple-to-use business intelligence packages to provide easy-to view graphical reports of critical operational information in your company's ERP system.
Distributing fresh fruits and vegetables requires accurate, real-time information to minimize time in the delivery supply chain in order to maximize shelf life.
Whether your company distributes produce to retailers, foodservice distributors, or operators, AFS Technologies has the fully integrated, end-to-end business software solutions your company needs to drive profitability and gain competitive advantage.
Our customers include industry leaders and are active members of prominent associations such as the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and the International Fresh-Cut Produce Association.
Between years of experience in the food industry and continuously addressing client needs, AFS Technologies understands the requirements and issues facing today's produce distributors.
This ability is tightly integrated with AFS Advanced Enterprise and provides your customers, DSRs and your in-house customer service representatives the convenience, accuracy and ability to enter orders themselves, 24 X 7, while in the office or on the road.
An overall increase in company profitability of 1-3% is achievable simply by using AFS Advanced Warehouse Management.
Territory Planner optimizes sales and delivery territories, while MobileCast can provide you with real-time delivery management and route execution.
The information is then transferred to your company's business management software system with wireless or dial-up connection.
This solution reduces the time spent on paperwork, eliminates line item extension errors, pricing errors, and eliminates office data entry errors all while allowing your driver to add extra stops per day without adding additional work hours.
solutions combine Crystal Reports with a choice of comprehensive, yet simple-to-use business intelligence packages to provide easy-to view graphical reports of critical operational information in your company's ERP system.
, " 15 years ago, our company first began investigating options for software systems for Frieda's.
At that time, we selected AFS Technologies for its flexibility, knowledge of the perishable distribution business and it's various applications.
Periodically we have evaluated other software programs against AFS and continue to find that it is the best option to meet our needs.
It is a pleasure to work with the team at AFS, who assists us with our continuing upgrades, training and operational growth.
We feel confident that AFS gives us the maximum amount of flexibility in using the system to meet our growth and management needs, while providing excellent financial controls.
Frieda's.
, Los Alamitos, CA.
, AFS Technologies' products are designed to meet all areas of the three-tiered delivery system for wine & spirits.
AFS products address the unique requirements of Importers, Distributors and Retailers, and can address issues from Landing foreign shipments and currency conversions for Direct Imports and Inbound purchases to Point Of Sale at the retail level.
The ability to make data available to vendors and customers in user-defined methodologies is a key feature of our products.
State tax reports and billing of post-offs and depletion allowances is addressed for all customers., Our customers are industry leaders in prominent associations such as the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Association.
They use our products to track depletions, growth period over period and communicate to a host of products such as FINTECH, BDN, Beverage Journal, DI-DIVER, etc., AFS Technologies solutions deliver tangible business benefits by:.
Business trend analysis & reporting solutions combine Crystal Reports with a choice of comprehensive, yet simple-to-use business intelligence packages to provide easy-to view graphical reports of critical operational information in your company's ERP system.,.
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As such, we have outlined our policy in this document and implemented it using the World Wide Web Consortium's Privacy Preferences Project, an industry standard which is supported by Netscape Navigator 7 and Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.
In using this site, we may track certain aspects of your usage as well as collect personal information from you.
This is done using four basic methods: registration, cookies, contact forms, and Web server logs.
Registration.
Registering with AFS is required to download documentation and utilize the Customer Connection section of this site.
When registering with AFS, you may provide us with certain personal information including your name, email address, organization, address, and phone number.
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You may read their separate privacy policy here.
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If you have any disputes with this policy, please contact AFS at info@afsi.com, 602.522.8181, or 2141 East Highland Avenue, Suite 100, Phoenix Arizona 85016, and we'll do our best to provide you with a prompt resolution.
AFS Technologies Announces New Financial Reporting Application, Add-On Financial Reporting Application to Provide Upgrade to Existing , Food and Beverage Industry ERP Systems.
PHOENIX July 24, 2006 AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (AFS), the leading provider of fully integrated software solutions to the food and beverage industry, today announced the immediate availability of a new product, AFS Financial Reporting.
The application offers sophisticated financial reporting features and can provide a quick upgrade to many old distribution and financial systems burdened with weak financial reporting.
The application is part of the AFS Advanced Enterprise product suite announced in April of this year that uses a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based on Web Services and built on the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0.
AFS customers and non-customers alike, regardless of current software supplier, can now upgrade their current distribution and financial systems, adding new modules independently, thereby avoiding the cost of replacing their current system and realizing a better return on their investment (ROI ).
The new AFS Financial Reporting application demonstrates our commitment to both a seamless, cost-effective migration path our customers on their time frame and the latest technology offered by a Service Oriented Architecture, said Kurien Jacob, Chief Executive Officer of AFS Technologies.
As previously announced, customers on AFS maintenance, as of March 31, 2006, can receive the new AFS Financial Reporting application as part of their Annual Maintenance Agreement with AFS, he added.
The application has been designed with a Microsoft Windows-style appearance providing an appealing, easy-to-use Graphical User Interface (GUI) much like that of typical Microsoft Office applications.
Significant features include financial drill downs, statement of cash flow, business ratios for trending and analysis, easy to create and flexible financial statements with a consistent reporting interface, budget imports and a query builder.
About AFS Technologies, Incorporated AFS Technologies, Incorporated is the leading provider of fully-integrated, end-to-end business software solutions engineered exclusively for the food and beverage industries.
The company serves over 230 customers across North America and the Caribbean with innovative, comprehensive and user-friendly solutions designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency, streamline internal processes and assist in regulatory compliances.
Solutions available include complete distribution and financials, vendor rebate tracking, warehouse management, web order management, supply chain management, eCommerce, business intelligence, processing, and mobile sales & delivery products.
For more information, please contact AFS Technologies, Incorporated via email at info@afsi.com, by phone at (602) 522-8282 or visit us on the web at www.afsi.com.
###,.
eCommerce capabilities through EDI functionality.
AFS Advanced Enterprise EDI.
utilizes Electronic Data Exchange (EDI) functionality to provide the exchange of business data in standard formats.
In EDI, information is organized according to a user-defined format set by both parties, allowing a " hands-off " computer transaction that requires no human intervention or re-keying on either end.
Typical applications include sending and receiving purchase orders, acknowledgements, invoices and other standard types of business transactions.
Using the EDI.
standard interface, AFS Advanced Enterprise Business Management can create and read files (ASCII and XML) for EDI transaction and translation software.
EDI Transaction Sets, UCS ver.
4010, 4020.
Set.
I/O.
Description.
Source/Destination.
out.
X12 Invoice.
Sales Order.
n.
X12 Purchase Order.
Purchase Order.
Purchase Order Acknowledgment.
Ship Notice/Manifest - short.
Grocery Products Purchase Order.
Price Change.
Pricing/Customer.
Grocery Products Invoice.
Report only.
AFS Advanced Enterprise EDI provides seamless integration between all Advanced Enterprise modules, as well as third-party partner value-added additions.
AFS Business Analyst.
Main Screen , (click to enlarge).
Report Screen.
Report Chart Screen.
, Every organization needs easy, rapid access to their data, and often, there is a need for deeper analysis that includes drill-down, trend comparisons and ranking summarized results.
That is why AFS offers AFS Business Analyst to satisfy your analysis and reporting needs.
The system incorporates the latest advances in usability and security using a web browser interface and offer a true interactive reporting experience.
Whether you need to quickly summarize large amounts of data into usable reports or look at trends, as well as summarize and analyze data to make key business decisions, AFS provides complete solutions for your organization's reporting needs.
, AFS Business Analyst is based on MicroStrategy 8 Platform, provides users of AFS distribution and financial applications the tools to gather, manage, distribute, and analyze data to improve strategic and tactical decision making.
MicroStrategy 8 Platform has proven to be the analytical reporting tool of choice for thousands of users worldwide wanting to maximize the success of their analytical reporting projects.
AFS Business Analyst Advantages:.
Sort by summarized totals and compare results through easy-to-navigate drill-down menus Use dynamic graphics and charting capabilities.
Uses an optimized data cache to avoid impacting the operational system, Easily export report results to Excel.
PHOENIX - March 14, 2007 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (“AFS " ), the leading provider of fully integrated software solutions to the food and beverage industry today announced the availability of AFS WMS 1.2, the second release of its wireless bar code scanning system.
Consistent with the AFS Advanced Enterprise solution suite Service Oriented Architecture, AFS WMS is built using the Microsoft .NET Framework.
The new release demonstrates the company's commitment to product enhancement not only in the warehouse but across its portfolio of integrated solutions.
, Key functionality enhancements include: , • Improved lot controls and tracking, • Improved physical inventory, • Full pallet picking from overstock and , • Improved " one up, one down " traceability and reporting compliance with US FDA Bioterrorism Act of 2002.
, Current AFS WMS customers with a software maintenance contract can receive the new release free of charge.
, “The cost and risk of FDA non-compliance is simply too high to ignore and may include: Recalls, unsellable product, plant shutdown, lost production, additional inspections, fines and court costs and unfavorable PR, " said a recently interviewed industry analyst familiar with the product.
“The good news is that by expanding automation within their operations, food companies can capture and reproduce the accurate information required for compliance and provide real-time management information for better business control and efficiency too, frequently with a payback under a year.
" , , About AFS Technologies, Incorporated , AFS Technologies, Incorporated is the leading provider of fully-integrated, end-to-end business software solutions engineered exclusively for the food and beverage industries.
The company serves over 250 customers across North America and the Caribbean with innovative, comprehensive and user-friendly solutions designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency, streamline internal processes and assist in regulatory compliances.
For more information, please contact AFS Technologies, Incorporated via email at info@afsi.com, by phone at (602) 522-8282 or visit us on the web at www.afsi.com , Media Contact: , AFS Technologies, Incorporated , Mark Skoog , Vice President, Marketing , (602) 443-4241 , mskoog@afsi.com , , ### ,.
Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Cash Flow Forecasting and Bank Reconciliation Functionality Added to Previously Released General Ledger and Financial Reporting Module.
PHOENIX April 12, 2007 AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (AFS), the leading provider of fully integrated software solutions to the food and beverage industry, today announced the immediate availability of AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS, a complete accounting and financial reporting application.
The application is part of AFS ERP.NET built on the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 utilizing a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based on Web Services.
AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS offers a cost-effective upgrade for current AFS customers and a potential replacement for non-AFS financial systems.
The theme of our annual customer conference beginning this weekend is Delivering the Vision and this advanced financial application delivers on the vision of a module by module upgrade path that is fully backwards compatible with the legacy ERP systems our customers use daily, said Kurien Jacob, Chief Executive Officer of AFS Technologies.
AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS demonstrates our commitment to offering our customers superior functionality using the latest technology, deployable on a customer-determined migration schedule, he added.
Enhanced functionality includes:.
General Ledger with multi-division, location, warehouse, language and currency set-up.
Flexible Financial Statement Formatting and Reporting.
Accounts Receivable with customer credit, collections and cash application features.
Accounts Payable with 3-way matching.
Automated cash flow forecasting.
System directed bank reconciliation.,.
The company serves hundreds of customers across North America and the Caribbean with innovative, comprehensive and user-friendly solutions designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency, streamline internal processes and assist in regulatory compliances.
AFS Technologies Announces New Financial Reporting Application.
Financial Ratios Graph , (click to enlarge).
Trial Balance Inquiry , (click to enlarge).
Create Budget , (click to enlarge).
Can provide a quick upgrade to many old distribution and financial systems.
Can easily interface to AFS and non-AFS distributional and financial (ERP) software packages.
Appealing, easy-to-use Graphical User Interface (GUI).
Functionality specifically designed for the food and beverage industry.
Part of AFS Advanced Enterprise product suite that uses a Service Oriented.
Architecture (SOA) based on Web Services and built on the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0.
, More info on , AFS FINANCIAL REPORTING.
Sophisticated financial reporting package including:.
Financial Drill Downs.
Statement of Cash Flow (indirect method).
Business Ratios (trending & analysis).
Easy to Create and Flexible Financial Statements.
Budget Imports.
Consistent Reporting Interface.
Query Builder (user defined queries) ,.
PHOENIX, AZ - July 27, 2006 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated (“AFS " ), the leading provider of fully integrated software solutions to the food and beverage industries, today announced the immediate availability of a new, fully integrated demand forecasting and replenishment solution named AFS REPLENISH.
By using proven techniques that until now were only available to the largest of distributors, AFS REPLENISH gives buyers the automated tools to service customers at superior levels while still meeting inventory levels that minimize cash requirements.
In conjunction with this new product, AFS affirmed its commitment to inventory management with the opening of its Center of Excellence in Marietta, GA.
This new facility is home to a think-tank of inventory experts and offers a corporate center for buyer and management education.
, “To bring this offering to market quickly, we combined our cutting edge .NET development expertise and suite of vertical specific applications with the knowledge of industry-leading buying experts, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS Chief Executive Officer.
“This newest AFS product contains scientific formulas and assumptions that are well-tested and proven to offer better, smarter buying decisions, optimized for profit.
Typical results yield a 15% inventory reduction, fill-rate improvement of .5% and a first year bottom-line impact of $75,000 for a $50 million foodservice distributor, " Jacob added.
, AFS REPLENISH produces accurate, self-adjusting forecasts to place the best possible order at that time, for that vendor, taking into consideration forward buy opportunities, promotions, events and multiple years of historical sales and purchasing information.
Demand forecasting and replenishment with AFS REPLENISH affords buyers the opportunity to manage their vendors on an exception basis with business rules to prioritize the action items for the day.
The buyer home page clearly displays the pertinent information for the day in an easy to use graphical interface.
, “The goal of this solution is to find the proper balance of inventory to optimize cash flow to fuel acquisition, expansion, market penetration, the introduction of new customer programs and other strategic goals of the organization, " said Dan Craddock, a leading expert in inventory management and of Founder of Insite, a provider of professional development education for buyers.
Craddock continued, “Many distributors are hamstrung by an improper balance of inventory.
This product, and the knowledge available though the new AFS Center of Excellence, helps improve the focus on inventory and how to buy smarter.
This tool succeeds in enabling buyers to be inventory investment experts.
" , Beyond the science of demand forecasting, economic analysis and complex safety stock calculations, AFS REPLENISH assures that these advanced techniques can be used by buyers with features like a home page that prioritizes daily action, and screen information that supports process flows buyers already know.
Additionally, the implementation process includes a buyer development program that prepares the buyer to maximize a company's return on their inventory investment.
The program is delivered by inventory management consultants with extensive food industry knowledge and practical demand forecasting and replenishment experience.
, About AFS Technologies, Incorporated , AFS Technologies, Incorporated is the leading provider of fully-integrated, end-to-end business software solutions engineered exclusively for the food and beverage industries.
, ### ,.
AFS Technologies Expands Sales Force Automation Applications.
Releases Standard and Enterprise Edition Remote Order Management Laptop Software , , PHOENIX - April 11, 2007 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (“AFS " ), the leading provider of fully integrated software solutions to the food and beverage industry today announced the immediate availability of two new versions of its sales force automation applications -- Standard Edition and Enterprise Edition.
, The Standard Edition is similar to other products available in the market since pricing is calculated on the laptop.
This allows the remote order entry process to work independently of the ERP system.
In contrast, the Enterprise Edition is the only product available on the market in which the pricing generated by the remote ordering system exactly matches the pricing generated by the ERP system 100% of the time eliminating a common complaint voiced by distributors using competitive systems.
, “Exactly how our customers price, sell and account for inventory are different and we determined that two similar but different laptop products were needed to meet their needs, " said Kurien Jacob, Chief Executive Officer.
“At our annual conference this weekend, clients will be able to see these applications first hand and learn how their Distribution Sales Representatives (DSRs) can use these consultative sales tools to increase sales, gross profit and account and line item penetration at their foodservice operator customers, " he concluded.
, , About AFS Technologies, Incorporated , AFS Technologies, Incorporated is the leading provider of fully-integrated, end-to-end business software solutions engineered exclusively for the food and beverage industries.
PHOENIX March 28, 2007 AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (AFS), the leading provider of fully integrated software solutions to the food and beverage industry today announced the immediate availability of two new mobile products for Distribution Sales Representatives (DSRs) and their managers, offering improved functionality on a state-of-the art Microsoft .NET technology platform.
The products are successors to the fully featured Raven laptop application used for years by thousands of DSRs daily as a consultative sales tool to increase gross profit and account and line item penetration at foodservice operators nationwide.
Exactly how our customers price, sell and account for inventory are different and we determined that two similar but different laptop products were needed to meet their needs, said Kurien Jacob, Chief Executive Officer.
The Standard Edition product, like it's predecessor Raven, calculates pricing directly on the laptop and is the tool of choice for many distributors.
In contrast, the Enterprise Edition product uses pricing calculated on the ERP system, including deals and rebates, and is preferred by clients who want to ensure that the price sold the operator is the price reflected on their invoice.
Now we're able to offer both products on a leading technology platform that will be supported for years to come, he added.
Distributors requiring detailed product information and images of foodservice products or menu planning and recipe building tools to help operators manage food costs or wine industry specific functionality should consider licensing the Standard Edition.
Distributors preferring ERP generated pricing or retail price maintenance capability should consider the Enterprise Edition.
Next our plan is to merge both products into a single version that will offer the best of both editions.
We anticipate this product will become the undisputed industry leading sales tool of DSRs everywhere, Jacob concluded.
Media Contact:, AFS Technologies, Incorporated , Mark Skoog, Vice President, Marketing , (602) 443-4241 , mskoog@afsi.com ,.
Advanced Foodsystems Announces New Mobile Delivery Automation Solution.
Solution Helps Food Distributors, Manufacturers, and Logistics Providers Automate the Delivery Process to Improve Route Efficiency, Drive Sales and Improve Customer Satisfaction , PHOENIX - June 14, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end software solutions for the food industry, today announced the immediate availability of a new mobile delivery automation solution that controls and manages the flow of information to and from mobile workers and back-office computing systems for use in driver delivery, route accounting and direct store delivery (DSD) applications.
The solution consists of software that runs on Microsoft Pocket PC or CE.Net based handheld computers from companies like Psion Teklogix and Symbol, typically equipped with bar code scanning, and communicates with distribution and financial systems through wireless or wired networks.
The new functionality is an expansion of the AFS Mobile Sales Automation product in field use for over a year.
The system performs seamlessly as part of a complete AFS ERP implementation and integrates to non-AFS back-office systems using an XML interface.
, “Our research indicates that the market for DSD and route accounting solutions in North America was about $218 million in 2004 and growing, " said David Krebs, Mobile & Wireless Practice Director of Venture Development Corporation, a technology market research and strategy firm.
“The majority of future growth will come from small and medium sized businesses (SMB) that are just beginning to enjoy the benefits this technology has brought to the largest distributors and consumer packaged goods manufacturers.
Companies using route accounting solutions have achieved significant improvements in overall route productivity in terms of reduced driver time per stop, streamlined checkout and settlement, fewer incorrect deliveries and reduced inventory count time.
" , The software provides many useful functions for drivers, customers and management including quick check-in, time tracking, credit returns, payment collection, inventory transactions and proof of delivery via signature capture.
The solution also supports the DEX/UCS grocery industry standard electronic data interchange for use by pre-sell distributors who generate invoices in-house and need to transfer that invoice information into the retailer's system at the receiving dock.
, “This new delivery automation solution allows our pre-sell customers to track and manage their routes, orders and drivers, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS President and CEO.
“Customer, product, pricing, discount, and payment information are now available to mobile users in one integrated, end-to-end solution.
New route sales functionality available this autumn will integrate sales, delivery and off-truck and peddle sales functions to track each truck inventory.
Progressive food distributors will find that mobile delivery automation solutions from Advanced Foodsystems will help them improve productivity, increase profitability and compete more effectively.
" , About Advanced Foodsystems , Advanced Foodsystems is a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end business software solutions engineered exclusively for food distributors and processors.
Since 1985, Advanced Foodsystems has delivered innovative, comprehensive and user-friendly solutions designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency, streamline internal processes and assist in regulatory compliances.
Second generation, Windows-based products are database and platform independent while character-based solutions are also available.
For more information, please contact AFS via email at info@afsi.com by phone at (602) 522-8282 or visit us on the web at www.afsi.com.
, Media Contact: , Advanced Foodsystems , Mark Skoog , (602) 443-4241 , mskoog@afsi.com , ###.
AFS Named Approved Technology Supplier by UniPro FoodService, Incorporated PHOENIX - July 26, 2004 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), the leading provider of ERP and Warehouse Management Solutions to the food industry, today announced that it has been named an approved technology supplier by UniPro Foodservice, Incorporated , the leading foodservice distribution network in the United States.
The selection gives the over 300 UniPro food distributor member companies preferred access to market leading AFS software products and services including ERP, warehouse management, customer relationship management, supply chain management, eBusiness/eCommerce, business intelligence, production and managed services.
, “AFS is happy to partner with UniPro Foodservice and its member companies, " said Kurien Jacob, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFS.
“AFS is known for its superior portfolio of products and is the only ERP provider serving the food industry to offer a feature rich, Windows-based, software application that is platform and operating system independent offering a choice of relational databases.
The company has been a trusted long-term partner of food distributors since 1985 and our continued investment in product development and the financial strength provided by our majority owner, The Argentum Group, ensures that the partnership will grow, " Jacob concluded.
, With a collective sales volume of over $27 billion, the buying power of UniPro enables its members to receive enhanced purchasing opportunities, thereby providing better pricing and a vast array of products to their customers.
Each distributor is independently owned, marketing the products and services provided by UniPro Foodservice.
UniPro members service accounts in all segments of the foodservice industry, including independent and multi-unit restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, military feeding, and other mass-feeding operations.
, Jeff Braverman, UniPro Board Member and President of long-time AFS customer Hawkeye Foodservice Distribution, Incorporated said, “Hawkeye Foodservice greatly values our partnership with both UniPro and AFS.
Both organizations have enabled us to increase our sales and margins while reducing expenses.
We plan to continue our partnership and encourage fellow UniPro members to do the same.
" , About Advanced Foodsystems , Advanced Foodsystems is the leading provider of fully integrated ERP software solutions to the food processing and distribution industries.
The company's many customers include meat, fish, seafood, and poultry processors and distributors, foodservice distributors, broadline grocery distributors, convenience store distributors, refrigerated and frozen food distributors and produce distributors.
Solutions available include ERP, warehouse management, customer relationship management, supply chain management, eBusiness/eCommerce, business intelligence, production and managed services.
AFS is the only solutions provider serving the food industry to offer a feature rich, second generation, Windows-based software application that is platform and operating system independent offering a choice of relational databases.
For more information, contact AFS via email at info@afsi.com by phone at (602) 522-8282 or visit us on the web at www.afsi.com.
, Media Contact: , Advanced Foodsystems , Mark Skoog , (602) 443-4241 , mskoog@afsi.com ,.
About.
what is New.
, Contact.
, Astra Support.
AFS Technologies Solutions for Meat Processors, Packers and Distributors >>.
The Astra System for Meat and Poultry Processors, Packers, and Producers >>.
ASTRA, the new division of AFS Technologies, Incorporated In May, 2007, Astra Information Systems, Incorporated , a leading provider of technology solutions for food distributors, processors and importers, primarily within the seafood and meat industries, merged with AFS Technologies, Incorporated The merger created the largest provider of software solutions to the seafood industry.
Over 2,000 meat and seafood industry professionals use our software every day to efficiently run their business.
Astra Information Systems has been renamed the ASTRA division of AFS Technologies, Incorporated and will continue to serve current and new customer with the Astra System, a complete distribution and financial software application ideal for seafood and meat distribution and processing.
For 20 of the preceding years, Astra Information Systems, Incorporated , headquartered in South Florida, was a highly technical systems designer, developer and integrator, with the skills and expertise needed to bring together the most advanced computer hardware and innovative software available today, so businesses can maximize profits, cut costs, improve productivity and increase sales.
This team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals continues as a division of AFS and has a superb reputation for responsive and effective customer support.
They actively listen to clients, analyze their needs, develop strategic solutions, and firmly stand behind their work, providing the necessary training and support that enables clients to understand and maintain their systems.
AFS Technologies Solutions for Seafood Distributors and Processors >>.
The Astra System for Seafood Distributors and Processors >>.
Astra System.
Main.
, Features.
, Foundation.
, Applications.
The Astra System - The Right Solution for Your Distribution Needs.
Powerful and Complete Foundation - a World Class Open Database , Designed to change with company needs, not be an obstacle to change, the Astra System not only uses the most advanced tools in the computer software industry today, it is ready to operate in the environments of tomorrow, protecting a company's software investment., This is achieved because the Astra System uses the reliable, secure IBM Informix Relational Database as its foundation, to ensure clients always have the power to access information in the way they need it, when they need it.
This world class database is SQL based for easily accessing information through many standard Report and Query tools.
It's integrated client/server architecture takes advantage of new Symmetric Multiprocessors.
And, data integrity is ensured via advanced features such as transaction logging and automatic rollback, so if a problem arises, critical information is saved.
Operating with a graphical user interface (GUI), the Astra System is very flexible -- capable of running in Windows, X Windows, the Web (Java & HTML) or character-based.
Key Astra System Features.
Astra Information Systems offers the most advanced features and tools in the computer software industry to ensure that companies can use their system to its utmost potential.
Features such as a responsive " natural " order entry system with a powerful Order Guide to increase sales productivity, instantly accessible look-up windows with complex query, and user-friendly Information Centers which put information at your fingertips, drill down displays and online Help screens together allow companies to effectively manage their business., Productivity tools that provide integrated solutions to optimize data collection include bar-coding, integrated scales, scanners, Internet-based access to data, and wireless networking.
Of special interest is Astra's Point of Scale, which seamlessly integrates digitally capable scales to the Astra software system.
Using a flexible set of programs, it captures weight data automatically, instantly, and accurately, eliminating the need for weights and labels to be manually written.
Paper handling decreases, inaccuracies are eliminated and processing productivity improves.
To better access and analyze critical data, the Astra System allows users to take advantage of effective reporting and analysis tools such as Excel or Lotus, the Executive Information System (EIS), a powerful sales tool that easily analyzes large amounts of historical sales data in a Windows graphical environment eliminating the need to wade through extensive paper reports, and Crystal Reports, a premier reporting environment which provides a more effective method of writing financial and operational reports.
Astra System Modules.
Using a modular design, the Astra System allows companies to make the most of their critical information.
It helps businesses get answers fast, work naturally with the flow of the sales process, take control of inventory management and processing efforts, as well as efficiently and accurately handle daily operations.
The Sales and Operations Modules provide: effective sales order processing, a powerful sales Order Guide that can cut the time it takes to enter an order by 50% or more and has proven to increase lines per order, lot tracking which helps keep complete lot, cost and sales information on perishables, flexible pricing capabilities, sales analysis and commissions, and specialized options such as import and shipment tracking, hold-product ability, and a telemarketing module that offers online displays to prompt salesreps to make calls, tracks which customers need to be called and records responses.
With its Purchasing and Inventory Management Modules, the Astra System offers multiple levels of inventory management for single or multiple warehouses, providing the opportunity to grow into more sophisticated techniques as business grows.
The Astra System handles up to three discrete units of measure per item allowing absolutely accurate tracking of whole cases, broken case quantity, and catch weights.
Lot tracking is enabled on an item basis and may be manually or automatically assigned.
The modules include:.
Inventory Information Centers for instant access to all your data.
Physical Inventory Solutions that help make counting your inventory easier than ever.
Purchase Order Processing with an order guide that helps buyers accurately order products to achieve the best pricing, and balance the company's cash control needs with customer ordering requirements.
Astra's Options for Processing create and maintain Production Orders in Astra's Food Processing application system.
They include:.
Multiple product processing to help achieve more efficient processing for items that simultaneously produce a variety of finished products with different market values.
This also works well for bulk product grading applications for items such as shrimp or lobster.
Large fish grading module which handles the quality grading of products like tuna and swordfish.
It provides instant label printing for the boxes or pieces, and allows grading detail information displays in the system's Inventory Information Center, with a complete audit trail.
The Astra System's Accounting Modules include Accounts Receivable and Collections that offer, in addition to the tools that produce all the standard reports you would expect, a powerful cash receipts system and inquiry that redefines productivity in A/R administration.
The Astra Accounts Payable module is completely integrated with Purchase Order Processing, Inventory, and the General Ledger, with Vendor Information Centers that allow easy access to needed vendor information.
The Astra General Ledger module is extremely flexible and forms the hub of the system, collecting key information from other operational modules in order to present management with timely, accurate financial and operational data to use in the decision making process.
To learn how your company can benefit and grow from using the Astra System, contact Astra Information Systems, Incorporated at (954) 233-5500.
AFS Advanced Enterprise Solutions.
AFS to Provide Major Mid-Atlantic Specialty Distributor New Integrated Distribution and Financial Management Solution.
Wythe Will Distributing Company Signs Contract to Purchase State-of-the Art Software to Improve Operational Efficiency, Boost Profitability and Support Growth , PHOENIX - September 8, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end software solutions for the food industry today announced that Virginia-based Wythe Will Distributing Company , a wholesale distributor of candy and gourmet foods in the mid-Atlantic region, has signed a contract to purchase a new financial, distribution, warehouse management and customer self-service order management solution to streamline the operations of its growing business.
The solution is expected to help Wythe Will Distributing improve customer service, increase employee productivity, reduce operating expenses, and improve overall business efficiency using the integrated information that the system will provide.
The company operates two distribution centers totaling over 150,000 square feet and distributes products from over 3,800 SKUs via company owned trucks and common carriers to over 3,500 customer retail locations.
, “We have completed an extensive review of our IT requirements, and we believe that AFS will be an outstanding partner as we continue to grow.
Their experience implementing and supporting large installations like ours is demonstrated and their broad, integrated set of software products can improve operations in every area of our company, " said Rod Hogan, Wythe Will Distributing's Chief Financial Officer.
, Designed specifically for the food industry, the AFS solutions portfolio includes critical functionality distributors need to maximize profits including purchasing, pricing, costing and inventorying perishables in temperature controlled warehouses based on multiple weights (catch and/or random weights) and units of measure with lot and code date tracking.
FDA required one up, one down food safety & traceability reporting based on the Bioterrorism Act of 2002 and Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) has been designed into the software to assist in regulatory compliance.
Distributors quickly receive a return-on-investment using the product's automated deal and vendor rebate tracking.
Flexible net margin and profitability reporting by customer and product, after considering rebate income and activity based costing, has proven to be invaluable.
Popular web and laptop order management and mobile driver delivery software helps increase sales and improves distribution effectiveness in the field.
, “Wythe Will Distributing has an impressive record of growth and it is gratifying to see that when knowledgeable professionals evaluate technology partners, they choose AFS to be their trusted technology partner to help run their business, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS President and Chief Executive Officer.
, About Advanced Foodsystems , Advanced Foodsystems is a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end business software solutions engineered exclusively for food distributors and processors.
, Media Contact: , Advanced Foodsystems , Mark Skoog , (602) 443-4242 , mskoog@afsi.com , ### ,.
AFS Technologies - Productivity Enhancing Proven Solutions >>.
AFS Technologies is a leading provider of fully integrated end-to-end enterprise software solutions specializing in the food and beverage industry.
Our industry expertise includes meat, fish, seafood, and poultry processors and distributors, foodservice distributors, broadline grocery distributors, convenience store distributors, wine and spirits distributors, refrigerated and frozen food distributors, produce distributors.
AFS Technologies has designed software to manage and streamline your food business through real-time, cost-effective solutions.
The AFS Advanced Enterprise focuses on business critical areas such as Control & Reporting, Food Safety & Traceability, Integrated Supply Chain, Trade Promotions, and Customer Self-Service.
, Grocery & Foodservice, Meat & Poultry, Fish & Seafood, Candy & Tobacoo, Refrigerated & Frozen, Produce , Wine & Spirits.
AFS Advanced Enterprise Solutions include:.
Distribution & Financials (ERP) >>.
Warehouse Management (WMS) >>.
Replenishment >>.
Business Intelligence >>.
Web Order Management >>.
Mobile Sales Automation >>.
Processing >>.
Astra Systems Solutions >>.
AFS Technologies is a leading provider of fully integrated end-to-end enterprise solutions specializing in food processing and distribution.
Our industry expertise includes meat, fish, seafood, and poultry processors and distributors, foodservice distributors, broadline grocery distributors, convenience store distributors, refrigerated and frozen food distributors, and produce distributors.
The AFS Advanced Enterprise.
focuses on business critical areas such as Control & Reporting, Food Safety & Traceability, Integrated Supply Chain, Trade Promotions, Customer Self-Service.
AFS has designed software to manage and streamline your food business through real-time, cost-effective solutions.
What sets AFS Advanced Enterprise apart from the competition?.
Designed specifically for the food processing and food distribution industries, AFS Advanced Enterprise offers key elements to maximize profits and streamline operations delivering success.
These elements include:.
Purchasing, pricing, costing and inventorying based on multiple weights (catch and/or random weights) and units of measure.
Customer and product line profitability measurement.
One up, one down Food safety & traceability reporting based on the Bioterrorism Act of 2002.
Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) based on FDA requirements.
Inventory perishables in temperature controlled warehouses.
Lot tracking and code dating throughout the supply chain.
Processing and yield reporting.
Deal and rebate tracking (customer and vendor).
Regulated commodities (i.e.
tobacco taxes, etc).
Reporting for Buying groups (e.g.
UNIPRO).
Full portfolio of food oriented integrated products for the distribution center and delivery and sales/customer service finctions.
AFS Advanced Enterprise.
can simplify your specific processes by addressing your individual needs and requirements while maximizing your ROI.
Click here for info on SOA and .NET >>.
AFS Technologies Announces Advanced Enterprise Application Integration , Product at Annual Customer Conference.
As a leading provider of fully integrated enterprise software solutions for the food distribution and food processing industries, AFS Technologies combines cutting- edge software innovation with industry leading hardware and database applications to provide comprehensive, functional and user-friendly solutions.
The technology behind AFS Advanced Enterprise is based upon providing a complete solution designed to solve specific business needs and requirements in the food industry.
, More info on , AFS GATEWAY.
True Fully Integrated Solutions using AFS GATEWAY ,.
AFS GATEWAY is a single data transfer mechanism to integrate AFS and non-AFS software applications.
AFS GATEWAY allows clients to easily add and manage new peripheral applications and significantly reduces migration cost to the new AFS ERP.NET enterprise software.
Individual point-to-point interfaces between applications are expensive and difficult to create and maintain.
By offering pre-packaged ERP and peripheral product integrations using standardized interfaces and data maps, AFS GATEWAY lowers a client's cost of ownership by eliminating multiple, point-to-point application interfaces and custom interface development/maintenance.
The product is vendor and platform independent yet optimized for AFS developed applications.
AFS GATEWAY is built with AFS Service Oriented Architecture, and Microsoft .NET 2.0 Framework.
Compatible Server, Database and Operating System Platforms,.
AFS Technologies solutions are compatible with leading server and operating systems to provide the best fit for your business environment.
Compatible operating systems include UNIX, AIX, Linux and Microsoft Windows.
Recommended server solutions include IBM, HP and Dell.
AFS Advanced Enterprise Windows application is tightly integrated with Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle 8i/9i.
AFS Technologies character-based solutions utilize the IBM UniVerse database.
Deep Functionality.
, As a fully integrated solution, AFS Advanced Enterprise offers a comprehensive solution designed to meet the needs of today's food processing and food distribution companies.
AFS Advanced Enterprise integrates all financial, purchasing, inventory, production and order processing including features/functions specific to the Meat & Poultry, Fish & Seafood, Grocery & Food Service, Candy & Tobacco, Wine & Spirits, Refrigerated & Frozen, and Produce industries.
Tailored Solution,.
Because AFS Advanced Enterprise is specifically engineered for the food distribution and food processing industries, it provides the functionality and features needed for each particular business.
However, since each company runs their processes differently, the AFS Technologies implementation staff will configure the software based on individual needs without having to customize the actual software code.
AFS Technologies Enterprise Solutions are truly advanced in their comprehensiveness and functionality, but designed to be user-friendly and industry specific to food processors and distributors.
AFS TODAY NEWSLETTER.
, Summer 2007.
, (PDF),.
From Implementation to Ongoing Support, Maintenance and Training, AFS Technologies has the Experience, Expertise and Knowledge to Launch and Maintain Your Critical Systems.
The decision to implement a complete business solution requires a significant investment, and it is expected that the system will perform as intended over a long period of time.
Much like a personal investment portfolio, professional support is necessary to ensure maximum ROI - from the initial investment to long term maintenance.
Enterprise business solutions are no different.
The goal of investing in a business solution is to solve a problem, increase efficiency & productivity, reduce costs and streamline processes.
However, without the proper expertise to implement, customize, support and maintain, internal costs and resources may suffer.
Even multi-million dollar solutions containing your critical data can be jeopardized without the proper support and expertise.
AFS Technologies prides itself on years of food industry and systems integration, knowledge and expertise.
AFS Technologies offers a step-by-step process beginning with learning the intimate details of your company's business and processes, then applying it to quick and effective implementation followed by 24/ 7 support and maintenance.
By working closely with your IT and Operations staff, including individual users, AFS Technologies will implement and maintain your business solution to achieve and exceed your ROI expectations.
Consultative, Solutions Approach with Turnkey Professional Services.
AFS Technologies utilizes a time-proven implementation methodology based upon the knowledge and understanding of the client's specific business needs.
The Client Services Team is comprised of Certified Project Managers who provide continuity, preciseness, expertise and exceptional customer service.
Constant communication is the key to success in any implementation, and weekly reports based on the timeline, budget, project plans and milestones are provided throughout the step-by-step process.
The implementation process is as follows:.
Contract Signing and Sourcing Hardware:.
Contracts are finalized including the implementation timeline, resources needed and hardware requirements are determined.
Hardware Installation:.
Once the hardware requirements agreed upon, the hardware and accompanying software installation will begin by the AFS Technologies engineering team.
At the same time, Systems Administration training will take place.
Project Planning:.
The detailed project plan is essential for a successful implementation.
The project plan will include:.
Project scope, objectives, milestones, and critical success factors.
Project structure organization roles and Advanced Enterprise ERP responsibilities.
Implementation strategy, project management, and technical plan.
Strategies for education, training, data conversion, and customization.
Over the course of the implementation, adjustments may be necessary to the project plan, however all changes will be approved by both AFS Technologies and the client, then documented within the Project Scope Change section.
Business Definition:.
In this phase, AFS Technologies will correlate and apply the Advanced Enterprise ERP process to determine the best fit for the client.
Food industry best practice adherence recommendations are provided by the Client Services team.
Master File/ System Setup:.
Client specific options are now set up and put into place.
Data conversion into Advanced Enterprise will also occur during this phase.
Independent Process Training and Acceptance:.
During this phase, all Team Leads will receive hands on training to familiarize themselves with the new system as it applies to their company's data.
This will also allow them to complete the system review and acceptance.
Integrated Testing:.
Here, integrated testing ensures all data runs smoothly and seamlessly throughout the entire system and subsystems.
End User Training:.
Training now extends from the Team Leads to each end user, ensuring proper use and application of the system for the main users.
Parallel Testing:.
During this testing phase, the new system is set to represent a realistic day in the client's company.
High volume areas are pressed and system processes are pushed to ensure there are no delays or snags before the system is turned live.
Cutover:.
Typically occurring over a weekend, all data is converted including critical information such as inventory, AR, AP, history and master files.
An AFS Technologies consultant will be on-site and available to assist in the process so the system is will be running flawlessly come business open Monday morning.
Go-Live Assistance:.
An AFS Technologies consultant is recommended during the Live Cutover.
Any issues that arise during the Cutover can be quickly resolved before the system goes into full use.
Post-Live Review:.
30 to 60 days following the system launch, it is recommended that the system be reviewed and tested again to search for previously unforeseen requirements or issues.
Additional days of service may be necessary to address any issues to ensure proper system execution.
Once the implementation process is completed, the system will then be turned over to customer service for standard maintenance and service requests.
AFS Technologies prides itself on its technically advanced and customer service oriented Professional Services staff.
Enterprise application implementation can be a difficult process, but through the combined expertise of our Professional Services staff, implementation is fast, efficient and comprehensive.
Prior to implementation, a clear project timeline, scope and execution schedule is developed in order to maintain schedules and milestones while providing the ability for the client to understand exactly what will be involved at each step of the process.
Building on 20 years of food industry experience, the AFS Technologies Client Services team will make industry best practices adherence recommendations to ensure the most successful industry practices and latest standards are used in the development and implementation of all solutions.
Since AFS Advanced Enterprise products are specifically tailored to the food industry, simple configurations rather then customizations are made to ensure proper integration into each company's individual processes.
The Client Services Department offers an array of services that our customers can utilize.
Some of the most common services are:.
Operational Reviews.
Every business benefits from periodic reviews.
An operational review focuses on areas that can increase efficiency, generate revenue, and minimize expenses.
These objectives are achieved in different ways.
Employees who are not fully trained are less productive and cause more errors than someone thoroughly skilled in the use of tools (e.g.
ERP system) to complete their daily tasks.
Most businesses experience some degree of employee turnover.
All too often, a person leaves before their replacement is hired or there is a limited overlap period.
Consequently, the new employee is challenged to learn their position from others.
Unfortunately, other people may possess limited knowledge of all of the software features relating to a particular position, they may even teach incorrect procedures.
As part of an operational review, time can be spent with people to discuss their functional area.
What challenges do they encounter ?.
How can the software be used more effectively ?.
Are there features they're not familiar with ?.
A consultant can identify areas needing attention & customize training to their needs.
AFS consultants work with many businesses.
As a result, they are a hub of business knowledge.
Best practices & implementations of new procedures are discussed.
For instance, what is the most effective way to handle special orders ?.
How can the company do a better job with picking up products from the customer ?.
Work with an AFS consultant on these types of operational challenges.
AFS consultants can deliver training that will elevate your employee's skill level.
The training is not limited to your ERP system.
For instance, additional training can be arranged to teach project management, Crystal Reports, MS-Access, & MS-Excel.
Other training agencies may offer training in these applications.
However, AFS consultants tailor the training with food & beverage applications in mind.
These practical sessions will apply knowledge & techniques in using these applications to your distribution business.
You ca not manage what you do not measure !.
Most businesses utilize many standard reports to measure business metrics.
Key Performance Indicators are used by management to takes a regular pulse on their business.
However, just as taking a pulse does not guarantee that a person is in optimal health, standard reports may not reveal all deficiencies within a company.
Some custom reports may be needed due to the company's unique business model.
Data mining can be performed and then presented in a meaningful way, this can teach volumes.
Informed business decisions can then be made that will increase revenue and/or minimize expenses.
Measuring performance in the warehouse, transportation, sales, buying, amongst other areas will help identify areas needing improvement.
But once these areas are identified, can processes be streamlined to increase efficiencies & minimize errors ?.
Yes !.
Work with an AFS consultant and benefit from their insights.
In many instances, there are software features that were developed that may not be currently used at your place of business.
Financial Reconciliation.
Closing books for month end and year end can be a complex task if a customer has not been balancing transactions through the fiscal periods.
Our department offers a service that addresses this.
The customer can have one of our financial consultants assist them with any balancing issues throughout the period so that they can in turn close their books with minimal work or if they choose, a consultant can assist them in the closing process.
, " This is the fourth computer system that I've put in over my career and I can honestly say that we are just scratching the surface as far as ways that we can improve our business using AFS software.
We plan to use every piece of the system as much as possible.
This system is really helping take our business to the next level.
Currently we are working on automating our warehouse using bar code scanning.
We're looking forward to a long, productive relationship with AFS.
Their professional services consultants have been true professionals and a joy to work with.
" , Bob Sylvester , Controller , Seder Foods Corporation.
Upon a successful AFS Advanced Enterprise implementation, AFS Technologies continues to provide the highest level of customer service through ongoing support and maintenance.
As part of the Client's Maintenance contract, AFS Technologies customer service staff is available to solve issues through phone, email, web or on-site visits.
The customer service organization has the ability to solve problems by working with the end user directly, or by remotely accessing the client's system to fix the problem.
System updates and bug-fixes can also be delivered by overnight delivery.
All customer requests for assistance are logged into an on-line Customer Assistance Request (CARE) system to track the speed and effectiveness of our service delivery and your problem resolution.
Software Maintenance Plan includes:.
Extended software warranty coverage with unlimited defect protection.
Free annual software releases and quarterly patch updates that make your company's investment in AFS software an appreciating asset.
Unlimited 24 X 7 access to Customer Connection online customer self-service center.
Live customer support (phone, fax, email, web) Monday through Friday 6:00am 4:00pm Mountain Standard Time with guaranteed 4 hour response time.
After hours live support also available.
Significant discounts on future purchases of additional AFS products and services.
Unlimited subscription to AFS Today.
customer newsletter.
AFS Technologies User Group membership eligibility.
The Only Solution You'll Ever Need.
Because our applications are fully integrated, their business impact and value grows as you automate more of your business, and increases each year through annual software releases.
Once you purchase an AFS Technologies application and subscribe to our software maintenance plan, you will never need to purchase a replacement product.
Your investment in AFS software is protected against technical and functional obsolescence and is an appreciating asset that improves over time.
And AFS believes in constantly growing and meeting the challenges of the industry, investing in research, development and product improvement.
Over $10 million has been invested since 2003 resulting in the industry's leading product suite.
Ongoing Training and Support.
AFS Technologies offers comprehensive training for new clients, and ongoing training options to accommodate new employees, system and technology updates and new product purchases for existing clients.
Specialized training sessions can also be scheduled depending on the client's needs and requirements.
Standard training sessions include the following areas:.
Financial.
AP/AR/GL functions & features.
Purchasing.
Inventory Control.
Order Entry and Pricing.
Crystal Report.
SQL.
AFS Technologies maintains a core group of essential partnerships with both technology and service oriented organizations.
Technology partnerships enable AFS Technologies to focus on our core competence of developing food distribution and processing software applications and remain on the cutting-edge of enterprise software technology and hardware solutions.
Service partnerships provide extensive industry expertise while adding value and flexibility within the implementation and services group.
Growing and maintaining industry partnerships positions AFS Technologies as an enterprise software leader in the food processing and food distribution industries, providing our clients with comprehensive solutions.
AFS Technologies works closely with key technology partners in order to maintain industry standard interfaces and complementary technologies.
As industry standards change and technologies improve, AFS Technologies has the ability to remain on the forefront with these partners.
Technology partners also add value to the Advanced Enterprise product suite and provide extensions to our existing offerings.
Below is a list of Advanced Foodsystem's major technology partnerships:.
AFS has joined the Microsoft Certified Partner program as an Independent Software Vendor (ISV).
Several AFS products use Microsoft technology including Windows, SQL Server and .NET.
The program offers members access to a variety of resources including training, technical support, early access to Microsoft products and peer networking opportunities to allow other certified partners to come together to provide end-to-end customer solutions.
AFS MOBILE has passed the Designed for Windows for Mobile test for Pocket PC applications.
AFS partners with IBM and uses its UniVerse extended relational database as the foundation for the FoodDistribute business management software package.
UniVerse is a preferred database choice because of its low administrative maintenance, broad hardware platform support, and industry standard interfaces.
AFS has joined the HP Developer & Solution Partner Program (DSPP) allowing AFS to bundle our food industry specific software applications with leading HP technology across a broad spectrum of platforms and operating systems to offer clients authorized and tested, single-source solutions.
HP products including servers, storage, networking, desktops and workstations, notebooks and tablet PCs and handheld devices will be offered.
Operating systems supported include Windows, LINUX, UNIX, and Windows Mobile Pocket PC and CE.Net.
AFS ERP has been tightly integrated for optimized performance with Oracle's market leading 9i and 8i products.
Oracle offers the only database specifically designed as an Internet development and deployment platform, extending Oracle's long-standing technology leadership in the areas of data management, transaction processing and data warehousing to the new medium of the Internet.
Built directly inside the database, breakthrough Internet features help companies and developers build Internet-savvy applications that lower costs, enhance customer and supplier interaction, and provide global information access across platforms and across the enterprise.
AFS is an Authorized Reseller and member of the Symbol PartnerSelect Program.
Symbol Technologies, Incorporated is a global leader in secure mobile information systems that integrate application-specific handheld computers with wireless networks for data, voice and bar code data capture.
Products include bar code scanning and data capture, mobile computers and wireless networks.
Psion Teklogix' mobile data collection solutions for warehouse and distribution facilities mobilize your enterprise information, allowing your employees to gather, enter and share data at the point of work.
Our rugged hand-held and vehicle-mount computers provide mission-critical reliability for demanding warehouse environments, including refrigerated cold storage facilities.
AFS ERP is built using the UNIFACE application development environment from Compuware Corporation.
UNIFACE applications are built for performance, quality, and robustness.
UPS Logistics Technologies, a UPS business unit, provides transportation and logistics software solutions that improve the operational efficiency of distribution companies (saves time and increases accuracy of service and delivery) through the creation of a highly efficient order-to-delivery process.
Solutions include street-level route optimization, territory planning, mobile delivery execution, real-time wireless dispatch and GPS tracking.
Our ROADNET TRANSPORTATION SUITE is the industry's first fully integrated transportation management solution available.
A fully tested and certified interface to AFS ERP products exists and is in use today.
MITS is an interactive OLAP/BI (Online Analytical Processing/ Business Intelligence) reporting tool for gathering, managing, distributing and analyzing data for improved strategic and tactical decision making.
MITS provides dynamic and interactive data reporting for FoodDistribute ERP users since MITS is specifically designed for multi-value or Pick databases like UniVerse.
Since 1987, Vocollect Voice has delivered proven performance improvements in productivity, accuracy, cost reduction and job satisfaction for mobile employees, achieving rapid ROI for businesses worldwide.
Through our partnership the two companies have developed a real-time, native interface to Vocollect Voice, allowing customers to further leverage their investment in AFS provided wireless bar code scanning systems.
Put Vocollect Voice to work for you visit www.vocollect.com.,.
AFS partners with BUSINESS OBJECTS to offer its Crystal Reports product with all AFS ERP installations providing sophisticated, yet easy-to-use reporting.
BUSINESS OBJECTS is a leading provider of business intelligence software that enables the effective use and management of information within and among organizations.
Boomi Software, Incorporated is a leading provider of Enterprise Business Integration software.
By translating data into different software formats, facilitating communication between internal and external business units, Boomi empowers its customers and partners to rapidly handle any integration requirement, resulting in time and cost savings.
Optimum Solutions, Incorporated (OSI) specializes in Payroll, HR, Time & Attendance, Employee Self-Serve, and Applicant Tracking software offering companies in-house managed Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) solutions for improved control, security and cost savings compared to outsourced processing.
Optimum's support team of CPP's (Certified Payroll Professionals) helps companies stay compliant with the changing world of Payroll/HR.
From implementation and conversions to updates and forms, Optimum provides a complete solution.
AFS Technologies is an authorized Cisco reseller.
The AFS Eagle application is written using software from Synergex.
Revionics is a leading provider of price, promotion and category optimization technology for Distributors and Fast Moving Consumer Goods Retailers.
The Revionics Advanced Pricing System (RAPS) generates increased sales and profits through sophisticated demand intelligence and proprietary pricing science.
The Revionics offering is fully integrated with AFS Technologies, and available to distributors as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) subscription offering over the Internet.
For more information please visit www.revionics.com.
Become a Partner >>.
Partnerships with food service and food distribution experts add knowledge and unbiased expertise to AFS Technologies support and implementation services.
Service partners and consultants are able to assist in requirements definition, research and planning, as well as solution implementation and post implementation services.
Below is a list of key Service Partners:.
Association of Global Standards Administrators (AGSA).
, Contact: Thomas Smith, Founder & President , 2101 Pine St , Philadelphia, PA 19103 , 609-634-2365 , training@agsa.com.
, www.agsa.com.
Our mission is to support the effective use of global standards through the education and support of our member associates and their parent organizations.
Our history of interaction with globally recognized brands and retail companies have illustrated the need for real party neutral support and education and services for companies and individuals making global standards in business, a reality.
Sea-Link Consulting, LLC.
, Contact: Sandra Zeilstra , 8741 14 th Ave.
NW , Seattle, WA 98117 , 206-954-5555 , Sandra@seahelp.com.
Turner Consulting.
, Contact: Bob Turner , 3710 Main Ave, Ste 109 , Durango, CO 81301 , 970-247-0560 , rturner@trnrconsulting.com.
Turner Consulting, Incorporated has a documented history of success in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Foodservice Warehouse & Distributor.
Our system of Task Designated WarehousingCopyright , TDWCopyright, matches training and scheduling to the tasks of warehousing to achieve maximum efficiency.
Our success has been achieved by our continued presence on the warehouse floor, where we develop procedures and supervise the installation of a system and training of floor employees.
All of our employees are experienced in the tasks and supervisory responsibilities of receiving, inventory control, order selection, customer delivery and warehouse management.
Olin Thompson, Process ERP Partners, LLC, Suite 334, 11 So Angel St , Providence, RI 02906, 401-421-6968, 401-421-3290 fax, olin@processerp.com.
, www.processerp.com.
Thomas Hubler, Principal, Hubler Family Business Consultants, 821 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55402, (612) 375-0640, hubler@mm.com.
, www.hublerfamilybusiness.com.
If you and your organization are interested in becoming an AFS Technologies partner, please send an email to partners@afsi.com.
and include the following information:.
* Company Name.
* Primary Contact Name.
Address.
Primary Business Expertise.
Industry Affiliations (if any).
Certifications (if any).
Brief description of how your organization and AFS Technologies can benefit from a partnership.
Based on the above profile information, we will be more effective in our follow-up.
Advanced Foodsystems Joins HP's Developer and Solution Partner Program >>.
Achieves Microsoft Certified Partner Status >>.
AFS and Psion Teklogix Enter Partnership To Expand Warehouse Management Solutions Portfolio >>.
AFS Technologies is the leading provider of end-to-end, real-time business software solutions engineered specifically for the food and beverage industry.
Our over 300 customers are our strength.
Many have been clients for over twenty years.
Our mission is to become the number one provider of software solutions to the mid-market segment of the industry.
We offer the AFS Advanced Enterprise Solutions Suite, a package of fully integrated software applications that cover your entire business.
We continue to offer the industry's only Windows-based, database independent ERP system.
And AFS is meeting the challenges of the industry by investing over $10 million in research, development and product improvement since 2003 resulting in the industry's leading product suite utilizing a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based on web services and is built on the Microsoft .NET framework 2.0.
All of our applications can be purchased together or individually, at initial system implementation or later as an add-on.
Applications can also be interfaced to those from other non-AFS suppliers you may use today., The company's compelling value proposition has been developed by leveraging our strengths and capabilities to create a strategic competitive advantage.
In simple terms, no other company in the industry brings the same mix of capability and expertise to the market.
Why AFS Technologies?.
Unparalleled Food Industry Experience and Focus.
, Our first customer (over 20 years ago) was a food company and we have continued that single-minded focus throughout our history.
Since we only cater to food customers, we have the functionality to address your needs including deal/rebate tracking, COOL, lot trace/track and suggested PO's.
Comprehensive Food Industry Functionality.
, The result is a broad portfolio of fully integrated applications each with deep industry specific functionality.
Leading Edge Technology.
, Simply put, we have the most advanced system architecture and cost-effective development model in the industry today.
Our technology outclasses every major competitor.
Additionally, offshore development enables AFS to bring products to market faster and more cost efficiently.
On-Time, On-Budget Implementation.
, AFS can leverage our extensive implementation experience gained over hundreds of customer installations to provide guidance on money-saving best business practices.
We pride ourselves on bringing customers live on time, on budget and experiencing benefits immediately, providing you with lower total cost of ownership.
Superior Customer Support.
, Our US -based team of dedicated, responsive professionals will investigate, track and solve difficult business problems quickly and efficiently.
You can rely on our ability to keep your business up and running.
, Because our applications are fully integrated, their business impact and value grows as you automate more of your business, and increases each year through annual software releases.
Let AFS be your long-term business solutions partner.
Kurien Jacob, Chief Executive Officer.
, Kurien Jacob is an experienced, successful leader and executive having held senior management positions at five different companies in the transportation, manufacturing, consumer electronics, automotive accessories and software industries spanning over 20 years.
He possesses strong operational expertise in turnaround management and in running venture backed start-ups.
As President and CEO of the consumer electronics company ADS Technologies, Kurien took the company from start-up to over $35 million in revenue through internal growth and acquisition.
Prior to that Kurien was President and COO of CAST North American Limited, a $300 million multi-mode transportation company where he had sales, operations and finance responsibility.
Prior to moving into general management, Jacob held a series of accounting and financial management positions in the U.K.
and Canada.
He holds a B Com.
From the University of Madras, India, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, England and Wales, and holds an Advanced Management Certificate from the Sloan School of MIT.
Suhas Gudihal, Chief Technology Officer.
, Suhas Gudihal has over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology area.
As CTO, Suhas is responsible for leading AFS Technology direction, strategy, including development of the company's Products and ensure that AFS continues to bring cutting edge technology solutions to the industry we serve.
He provides the AFS engineering team with focus, process and structure for product development.
Prior to joining AFS, he was the vice president of Software Services/Technology at a leading North American information technology consulting firm managing a team of 250 consultants generating annual revenue of over $220 million.
His prior work experience includes development of software applications/products at Fortune 1000 organizations.
Joseph Greene, President, Foodservice Division.
, Joe Greene grew up in a family-owned foodservice distribution business, working in all areas of the company, from the warehouse to management.
Joe served on the Board of Directors of the International Foodservice Distributors Association and won ID Magazine's “Innovative Distributor Award of Merit in Data Processing ".
After earning an MBA from the University of Bridgeport, Joe founded Distribution Management Systems and turned his attention to developing computer solutions for food distributors.
By 2006, the company had grown to over 100 customers, 32 employees and several products for both food distributors and wine and spirits distributors.
Joe also serves on the AFS Board of Directors.
Abe Nezvadovitz, President, Astra Division.
, Abe is responsible for the division's sales and marketing efforts, as well as overseeing the coordination of a professional staff for system implementation and support.
Customers rely heavily on his technology expertise and knowledge of the food distribution industry.
Prior to Astra, Abe was a co-founder of Data Tech Services which later merged with Astra.
He was also a key programmer in research and development for General Insurance Company, and a senior programmer and implementation specialist at Executive Data Systems.
He is bilingual in Spanish and holds a BS degree in Computer Sciences.
Ken Yontz, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing.
, Ken is an experienced industry veteran with a proven track record of success in developing and executing strategic sales and marketing plans.
He has over thirty years of management experience in the Food & Beverage Industry, and he uses his diverse background to help customers develop successful technology strategies for their business.
Prior to joining AFS, Ken was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Sales Partner Systems (SPS), a Florida based provider of software solutions and marketing services for foodservice Distributors and Manufacturers.
Ken also served on the Board of Directors for SPS and before assuming the role of President he was the Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing.
He was responsible for developing product branding strategies and overseeing all of the company's operations and sales & marketing efforts.
Under his leadership the SPS customer base increased to over three hundred companies and the product portfolio expanded to include more than twenty unique solutions for the food industry.
Prior to SPS Ken was the Director of Sales Technology for CP Foodservice, an independent Foodservice Distributor in Florida.
During his tenure at CP the company's annual sales grew from $25 million to more than $120 million and they were widely recognized for their innovation in the development and integration of technology.
The company received three Innovator Awards of Merit and one “Innovator of the Year " award for the Foodservice Industry and also had the highest percentage sales growth in the industry for two consecutive years.
Before joining CP, Ken had a career in the restaurant industry where he held various local, regional and corporate management positions.
Ken is a member of several Technology Advisory Boards and is a frequent speaker at Industry Conferences.
Lisa Whinnie, Executive Vice President, Customer Relations.
, Lisa Whinnie possesses extensive experience as a software developer, designing, programming and managing IT projects in a distribution environment.
Over the past 16 years, she has worked with end users to convert their business requirements into comprehensive, streamlined technical solutions.
As Executive Vice President, Customer Relations she is responsible for customer relations including customer service, custom code, implementations, technical sales and Managed Services.
Prior to joining AFS, Lisa served as the IT Director for an international espresso distributor Illy Espresso of the Americas, and was formerly the MIS Manager at the telecommunications company Executone Information Systems Incorporated She holds a B.S.
degree in Information Systems from the University of Phoenix.
Lee Kadin, Vice President, Astra Division.
, Lee is responsible for managing Astra's programming department.
He is persistent in his quest for the most effective outcome for his customers.
As a programmer with a large distributor of 3M products, Lee implemented various inventory management tools before joining Executive Data Systems as a senior programmer.
He then co-founded Data Tech Services in 1983.
Lee is a board member of the Informix International Users Group Advisory Council and co-founder of the South Florida Informix Users Group.
His BS degree is in Computer Sciences.
Frank Recht, Vice President, Professional Services.
, Frank Recht has over 15 years experience in consulting, project management and field operations in the distribution and food industry.
As Vice President Professional Services, Frank brings strong leadership and management skills to the company where he is responsible for all customer implementations.
This includes customer service, resource management, financial tracking, training, and implementation support.
Frank has been with AFS over five years and has held various positions in consulting along with technical sales.
Prior to AFS, Frank was Senior Project Manager for Frontstep Incorporated and Senior Consultant for Distribution Architects Intl which specialized in ERP software to the distribution industry.
Frank holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Arizona State University.
Jonathan Greene, Vice President, Strategic Alliances.
, Jonathan Greene brings many years of experience working with food distributors and wine & spirits distributors.
He joins the AFS team from Distribution Management Systems where he worked for 11 years full-time and many years part-time in various positions, such as Customer Service Manager and VP Operations.
As the VP of Strategic Alliances for AFS, Jonathan works hand-in-hand with our valued business partners to strengthen existing relationships.
He seeks out new opportunities for partnerships with companies that have products that best fit the needs of our customer base.
He is the chief liaison between the supplier partners and our sales and implementation teams.
Jonathan earned an MBA from Clarkson University.
Aaron Lee, Vice President, Customer Development.
, As VP of Customer Development, Aaron's background in the foodservice industry, software solutions, and relationship management will support the AFS goal of improved customer communications, including, strategic account management, issues escalation, and consulting on technology solutions with current customers.
Aaron joined AFS after 15 years with UPS providing transportation management solutions to top 50 foodservice and beverage distributors in the US , Europe, and Latin America.
His experience in technology applications spans customer support, software implementation, pre-sales, product management, and strategic alliances.
Aaron graduated from Towson University with a degree in Marketing.
Keith Menking, Vice President & General Manager WMS.
, Keith Menking has more than 20 years of experience in senior-level technology and operations positions managing the design, development, promotion and operations of mission critical software systems.
As General Manager of the AFS Warehouse Management System Division, Keith leads the product offerings and operations of the WMS unit focusing on delivering winning solutions for AFS customers.
Keith has worked for both private and public entities including Coopers & Lybrand, Octel and WebTPA for which he was a principal bringing a startup to $10 million in revenue in three years.
Prior to joining AFS, Keith was Vice President of Engineering for IRM which has a 30 year presence in delivering technology and services to the Food and Beverage industry.
Keith has an undergraduate degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Jim Gaspar, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing.
, Jim Gaspar has more than 30 years of experience in the food and beverage channel in both the manufacturing and technology segments of the industry.
Prior to joining AFS Technologies, he was Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for IRM Corporation, the leading provider of business intelligence and trade promotion management solutions specifically designed for distributors and manufacturers serving the food and beverage channel.
In his current role, Jim is responsible for all marketing activities for AFS Technologies, as well as, leading the sales and business development effort for the company's On Demand Solutions division.
Jim has also held a variety of sales, marketing and senior management positions with Fortune 100 food processors and mid-market manufacturers, including President/CEO of Grecian Delight Foods, President of DFG Foods and Culinary Foods (operating subsidiaries of Tyson/IBP), Vice President of Foodservice Sales and Marketing for ConAgra's Armour Swift-Eckrich division, and also served on the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association's (IFMA) Board of Directors for three years.
Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Illinois (Urbana), a MBA degree from Benedictine University, a Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshall School of Law (Chicago) and is a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois.
Board of Directors.
Walter Barandiaran, Chairman.
, Since March 2003, Walter Barandiaran has served as the Chairman of AFS Technologies, Incorporated He is a Founder and a Managing Partner of The Argentum Group, a New York-based private equity firm, founded in 1987.
Argentum serves as a General Partner of several investment funds with aggregate investment capital of over $400 million and a portfolio of over 50 active investments.
Walter is responsible for coordinating private equity investment opportunities in the software, business outsourcing and manufacturing sectors.
Walter has more than 15 years of private equity experience, including assisting Argentum`s portfolio companies in corporate, management and operational issues.
Since February 2002, Walter is the Chairman & CEO of HorizonLive, Incorporated , a leading software platform for live, web-based teaching, learning, and interactive communications.
In addition, Walter also serves on the Board of Directors of Conner Industries, Incorporated , LifeStar Corporation, M3 Technologies, Incorporated , Medsite.com, Incorporated , Metalico, Incorporated , and StructuredWeb, Incorporated Walter received a Bachelors degree from Baruch College (CUNY) and attended the New York University´s Business School.
Art Roldan, Director.
, Art is a seasoned technology entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in the software industry.
Most recently Art was the CEO of SecurePipe before its acquisition by TrustWave in December 2006.
While at SecurePipe, Art led an impressive transformation of the technology service firm into a leading provider of managed network security services.
In four years, Art directed the broadening of service offerings, the development of alternate distribution channels, and the expansion of the company's client base to over 1,000 clients, resulting in four consecutive years of 65%+ revenue growth.
Prior to joining SecurePipe, Art was the president and CEO of Novarra, a wireless software company and raised $30,000,000 in venture capital within an 18-month period.
Drawing on his experience and leadership, Novarra grew from a seed start up of three to a mature team of sixty professionals that developed cutting-edge products and acquired blue chip customers and strategic partners.
Prior to joining Novarra, Roldan was president and CEO of The Premisys Corp., a leading sales engineering automation software company.
Under Roldan's leadership, the company's revenue doubled in the year prior to its acquisition by J.D.
Edwards (Oracle).
Art's considerable experience with growing other start-up companies has resulted in their acquisition by public companies.
Art is a board member of the Illinois Technology Association and has been recognized in Crain's Internet 100 Executives.
He is also a sought after speaker for the entrepreneur programs at Northwestern's Kellogg Graduate School of Management and the MBA program at The University of Chicago.
Art began his career at IBM and holds a BS in business administration from DePaul University.
Tyler Wick, Director.
, Tyler Wick co-founded Ticonderoga and has over thirteen years of industry tenure including eleven years of private equity experience.
His private equity experience includes serving as an Associate at Dillon Read Venture Capital and ten years at Ticonderoga Capital.
Previously, Mr Wick was an Associate in the healthcare practice of the investment-banking group of Advest, Incorporated , where he focused on private placements and mergers and acquisitions for middle market healthcare services companies.
Prior to Advest, he was a consultant with the Mentor Group, an international legal consulting firm.
In addition to his Board seat at AFS Technologies, Mr Wick is a member of the Board of Directors of ALN Medical Management, Brainshark and Octagon Research, and is an Observer to the Boards of nuBridges, Incorporated and Construction Software Technologies.
He is also a member of the Executive Committee of NERASBIC and serves on the Board of Directors for the Boston Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth.
Mr Wick received a B.A.
degree Cum Laude from Amherst College.
Adam Bartkowski, Director.
, Adam Bartkowski was the CEO/President of Apriso Corporation, the world leader in execution enterprise software - a new event-driven, real-time, process-aware software that provides enterprises total global control of their manufacturing and supply processes.
Mr Bartowski joined Apriso after holding executive positions at ADP, System Software Associates (SSA) and Pansophic, now a unit of Computer Associates.
During Adam's tenure as Senior Vice President of Strategy and New Markets, ADP's Dealer Service Division grew from USD 395 million to USD 735 million in a span of four years.
Adam was directly responsible for $120M of ADP revenue and initiated four new business units that grew over 200%.
At SSA, he contributed to 350% product revenue growth over five years, created a worldwide product management organization and significantly expanded the company's product lines.
SSA earned eight Buyer's Choice Awards during Adam's tenure.
He holds a Bachelor's degree from Amherst College and an MBA from Northwestern University.
David Butler, Director.
, Dave Butler is President of Ticketmaster North America, the diversified live entertainment and marketing company.
In this role, Dave is responsible for the company's primary ticketing business in the United States and Canada and will oversee Ticketmaster's six North American regions.
Previously, Dave was chief executive officer of Ticketmaster Irvine, formerly Paciolan, a venue ticketing software provider acquired by Ticketmaster in 2008.
Prior to leading Paciolan, he was the President and chief executive officer of TCI Solutions, President of Sage Software's Mid Market Division, and held leadership roles at enterprise solution companies, Lawson Software and MAI Basic Four.
Dave is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton.
Alexis Boyle, Director.
, Alexis Boyle is Executive Director with the Venture Capital Group at CIBC (Boston), where she invests in business software and technology-enabled services at CIBC, focusing on later stage investments.
In addition to her position on the AFS Technologies Board, Alexis is currently a director of CashEdge, Critical Mention and FuelQuest, and her deal experience includes Digital Paper (acquired by ePlus), Interwise, Lawson Software, Renew Data, SoftMed Systems and Verid.
Prior to joining CIBC Capital Partners, Alexis was at TA Associates, a USD$5 billion private equity fund focused on growth investments in technology, financial and business services and healthcare.
Prior to that, Alexis was in Investment Banking at Deutsche Banc Alex.
Brown, working in the Industrial Technology and Basic Industries groups.
Alexis received her BA, with honors, from Harvard University.
Working with great people, in an exciting industry, creating cutting edge products and solutions - all in sunny Phoenix, AZ makes joining our team an attractive career proposition.
As our company continues to grow, we're constantly looking for excellent people with skills in the areas of software development, professional services, sales and marketing and finance.
Check out our current career opportunities below.
Indirect Distribution Partners.
AFS is actively seeking to expand its base of indirect sales channels.
Sales Agents and Value-Added-Resellers with market presence and software solutions sales and implementation experience, preferably in the food industry, are encouraged to contact us to discuss partnership opportunities., Apply for This Position.
Sales Executive.
Seek Sales Executives with outside experience selling ERP software solutions, preferably to the food processing or distribution industries., Apply for This Position.
PICK Programmer.
We are currently seeking an experienced PICK BASIC Developer to help support/develop our legacy application in the UniVerse programming environment.
Requires 8 or more years of UniVerse or PICK BASIC programming experience, with distribution knowledge a plus, knowledge of Visual Basic .NET or an object oriented language a plus.
, Apply for This Position.
Inside Sales/ Telemarketing Representative.
Seek Sales/ Telemarketing Representative with inside sales/ telemarketing experience generating leads and/or selling software or technology services over the phone.
ERP Presales Consultant.
Seek Presales Consultant with 7 to 10 years professional work experience in either the software or food industries with a minimum of 5 years relevant ERP or Warehouse Management System experience in a presales, implementation or sales role.
Software Engineer.
Must have Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering, & 5 years experience including 1 year experience developing ERP applications for food distribution industry.
C#, MS .NET, MS SQL, IBM Universe required., Apply for This Position.
ERP Implementation Consultant.
Five plus years business experience, preferably working in the food industry as a Functional Lead or Project Manager on an ERP implementation.
Finance knowledge, strong writing and communication skills, training background, some knowledge of SQL and/or Oracle a plus and willingness to travel required., Apply for This Position.
Junior Implementation Consultant.
Entry level consulting position in the food industry for Accounting/ Finance grad.
Must be able to work under pressure and manage time effectively with commitment to personal development.
Good problem assessment and problem solving skills.
Willingness to travel.
Programmer-Analyst.
Must have bachelor's in computer science, other computer field, or engineering.
Must also have one year experience in software support or development, support or development of ERP applications for the food distribution industry.
Proficiency in IBM.
Supported by a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based on web services and built on the Microsoft .NET framework 2.0.
The AFS Advanced Enterprise Solutions Suite consists of a broad range of fully integrated software applications spanning a distributor's entire business including complete distribution and financials, vendor rebate tracking, automated warehouse management, demand forecasting & replenishment, web order management, eCommerce, business intelligence, processing, and mobile sales and delivery automation products.
Since these individual software applications have been developed and used by customers over a timeframe spanning many years, different platforms, hardware options, operating systems, databases and programming languages were used.
In 2003, AFS decided to begin the process of harmonizing and standardizing future development on a common architecture and development language with the mandate of providing backwards compatibility and a graceful and gradual upgrade path to provide investment protection for customers.
The company's research, concept testing and preliminary prototypes conformed that a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based on web services and built on the Microsoft .NET framework 2.0 using C# with Visual Studio as the programming language was that future.
Starting in 2004 and continuing today, that strategy has been employed and all applications have been developed using this design philosophy.
The Advent of a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA).
SOA describes an information technology architecture that enables distributed computing environments with many different types of computing platforms and applications.
Web services are one of the technologies that help make SOAs possible.
As a concept, SOA has been around since the 1980s, but many early IT technologies failed to achieve the goal of linking different types of applications and systems.
By making early investments with .NET, Microsoft has helped provide the building blocks that today are putting many enterprise customers on the path to successfully implementing SOAs.
With SOAs, companies can benefit from the unimpeded flow of information that is the hallmark of connected systems.
Benefits of a SOA.
AFS' new SOA architecture provides customers with greater IT flexibility, increased scalability of their existing systems, and more powerful functionality, all at an affordable price.
Food and beverage industry companies regardless of current software supplier can now upgrade their current system, adding new modules independently, thereby avoiding the cost of replacing their current system and realizing a better return on their investment (ROI).
Existing customers receive backwards compatibility in order to protect their existing investment in hardware and software and new customers benefit from our new framework and database independent design, which has improved scalability and easier deployment, enabled by our new multi-tier architecture.
Standard Representation of a SOA.
Microsoft .NET Enters the Picture.
Microsoft .NET is the Microsoft strategy for connecting systems, information, and devices through Web services so people can collaborate and communicate more effectively.
The Microsoft .NET framework is a component of the Windows operating system that manages the execution of programs written specifically for the framework.
It is considered Microsoft's most significant development since the introduction of Windows.
The framework uses internet-based, standard communications protocols like web services, XML and SOAP for improved connectivity, enabling seamless eCommerce and streamlined supply chain integration and management.
Desktop applications, whether developed by AFS, a third-party, or Microsoft are more easily integrated using the common framework.
Benefits of .NET for AFS Customers.
The .NET framework was also specifically designed with vastly improved security and the ability to effectively support wireless applications run on handheld devices.
Possibly the most significant benefit of the framework is the existence of pre-coded solutions in the framework's base class library that offers tested, pre-assembled building blocks for programmers to combine with their own code to create applications.
This improves the robustness and quality of the applications developed and dramatically speeds the time to market for new releases.
Supporting .NET allows for the adoption of a multi-tiered SOA, conducive to delivering Web Services using loosely coupled applications over the internet between trading partners.
Advantages of using SOA include reduced integration expense, increased asset reuse, and shorter development periods, enabling quicker time to market.
Another key aspect of the design is its tiered architecture consisting of a client, application, and database tier connected over a LAN or the internet for improved multi-location network performance.
This also enables improved scalability to support growing transaction volumes by simply adding application or database servers at the proper tier.
The Bottom Line.
As this cutting edge technology is implemented throughout the industry, AFS customers will begin to enjoy lower business transaction processing costs and an optimal total cost of ownership in terms of hardware, software and ongoing support.
Better application performance using higher quality software, developed much faster than before will also be the result.
Peripheral products written in C# using Microsoft .NET components currently available include Warehouse Management System, Laptop Mobile Sales, Handheld Mobile Sales, Mobile Delivery Automation, and Web Order Management.
Legacy ERP products currently in use are evolving at a gradual pace as the products are rewritten in C# supporting Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based on Web Services and built on the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0.
A new, sophisticated Advanced Financials package is now available as the first step in the evolution to AFS ERP.NET.
The full evolution of distribution functions of the ERP system to .NET will be available in Spring 08.
Contact AFS for assistance to begin your plans to take advantage of all that AFS has to offer.,.
Our customers are our strength.
At current count AFS serves over 250 food and beverage customers.
We actively solicit input from users regarding product enhancements.
Our annual customer conference is held each spring and has been since 1980.
Casa Imports, Incorporated , Utica, NY, Contact: Kathy Wameling.
City Line Distributors.
, West Haven, CT, Contact: Mitchell Tilkin.
Clover Hill Foods.
, Bridgeville, PA, Contact: Frank Kellander.
Distillerie Stock USA.
, Woodside, New York., Contact: Jill@StockUSALtd.com.
Florida Food Service, Incorporated , Gainesville, FL, Contact: Joel Islam.
Glover-Auten.
, Columbus, GA, Contact: Greg Auten.
Heritage Wine Cellars Ltd, Niles, IL.
, Jennette Brothers, Incorporated , Elizabeth City, NC, Contact: Jane Chappell.
Johnnies Restaurant & Hotel Service, Incorporated , Chambersburg, PA, Contact: Fred Stenger.
Karetas Foods.
, Reading, PA, Contact: Lucy Kramer.
Merchants Export.
, Riviera Beach, FL, Contact: Terry Collier.
Listen to recent interview >>.
Pocono Produce Company , Stroudsburg, PA, Contact: Terry Snyder.
, President.
Santa Monica Seafood Company.
, Rancho Dominguez, CA , Contact: Vince Cigliano.
Seder Foods Corporation.
, Palmer, MA, Contact: Bob Sylvester.
, , ,.
Date.
Subject.
3/4/09.
AFS Technologies Acquires Interactive Management Systems, Incorporated.
8/29/08.
AFS Technologies Acquires Motek Information Systems, Incorporated.
AFS secures $13.0 Million in Equity Financing led by CIBC Capital Partners and a $25 million Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Foothill.
7/23/08.
AFS announces the release of the Stand-Alone version of its Rebate Tracking Module.
7/10/08.
F.A.B.
Incorporated brings innovative technology solutions to its members with F.A.B.
Connect from AFS Technologies without heavy capital cost.
5/1/08.
AFS Technologies Introduces the First Independent Order Management System for the Food and Beverage Industry.
4/25/08.
AFS-Revionics Arrangement to Help Distributors in Volatile Market.
12/3/07.
AFS Technologies Offers New Business Intelligence Solution.
9/28/07.
AFS Technologies, Incorporated Completes the Acquisition of Sales Partner Systems.
7/11/07.
AFS Technologies Announces FoodDistribute 5.0 Release 124 Availability.
5/9/07.
AFS Technologies, Incorporated Completes the Acquisition of Astra Information Systems, Incorporated.
4/13/07.
AFS Technologies Announces Advanced Enterprise Application Integration Product at Annual Customer Conference.
4/12/07.
AFS Releases Complete Accounting and Financial Application Continuing its Modular AFS ERP.NET Roll-out.
4/11/07.
3/14/07.
11/16/06.
AFS Technologies Announces New Web Order Management Release.
10/30/06.
AFS Technologies Adds Two Veteran Sales Executives to Increase New Client Acquisition.
7/27/06.
7/24/06.
7/17/06.
AFS Technologies Announces FoodDistribute 5.0 Release 123 Availability.
4/27/06.
AFS Releases its New Suite of Products Using a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) Based on Web Services and Built on the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0.
4/3/06.
AFS Technologies, Incorporated Completes the Acquisition of Distribution Management Systems, Incorporated.
3/22/06.
Advanced Foodsystems Announces New Partnership to Help Customers Manage Payroll, Human Resources and Time and Attendance In-House.
12/19/05.
Advanced Foodsystems Announces 16th Annual Customer Conference to be Held April 7th-9th 2006 in Phoenix.
Advanced Foodsystems Announces First Sale of Voice Directed Warehouse Management System.
12/16/05.
Advanced Foodsystems Announces First Sale of its EDI over the Internet B2B eCommerce Solution Using the AS2 Standard.
12/2/05.
Advanced Foodsystems to Provide Financial and Distribution Software Solution to Help Grocery Distributor Drive Profitable Growth.
9/23/05.
Advanced Foodsystems Announces New Release Availability For Flagship Product AFS ERP.
Advanced Foodsystems Announces New Second Generation Warehouse Management System Software Availability.
9/8/05.
9/1/05.
AFS to Automate Delivery Process for Full-Line Dairy Product Distributor.
8/10/05.
AFS and Partners Announce Four Part Webinar Series Covering the Latest Advancements in Food Industry Distribution Technology.
AFS Products Help Distributors and Processors Meet US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety and Traceability Requirements.
7/15/05.
AFS to Provide Comprehensive Business Management Software Solution to Support Saval Foodservice Business Expansion.
6/20/05.
Advanced Foodsystems Expands eCommerce Solution to Provide Cost Effective Alternative to Traditional Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
6/16/05.
Advanced Foodsystems Joins HP's Developer and Solution Partner Program.
6/14/05.
6/9/05.
Advanced Foodsystems Accelerates Time-To-Benefit for Nevada Meat Processor.
9/1/04.
Advanced Foodsystems Announces New CRM Solution Offering Customer Self-Service and Sales Force Automation Software for PC or Laptop Use.
8/4/04.
Advanced Foodsystems Achieves Microsoft Certified Partner Status.
7/26/04.
AFS Named Approved Technology Supplier by UniPro FoodService, Incorporated.
3/25/04.
14th Annual Advanced Foodsystems User Group Conference Rated Huge Success.
2/11/04.
AFS Announces Five New Customer Contract Signings.
2/4/04.
AFS and Psion Teklogix Enter Partnership To Expand Warehouse Management Solutions Portfolio.
12/15/03.
AFS to Resell Market Leading Products from Symbol Technologies, Incorporated.
11/5/03.
Advanced Foodsystems Receives $2.6 Million In New Equity Funding.
10/22/03.
AFS Announces New Production Management Software Product.
8/19/03.
AFS Announces New Managed Service Offering, Signs Two New Customers.
4/10/03.
Advanced Foodsystems Strengthens Leadership.
IN THE NEWS.
December 2004 updates and compliance issues to the Bioterrorism ACT of 2002 for the small to mid-sized food industry.
Food CIO Forum, January 2005, Olin Thompson, Process ERP Partner.
Take the opportunity to learn how AFS products and services can help you better run your business by visiting our booth, speaking with a representative and seeing our products demonstrated first hand.
Trade Shows.
9/12/08 to 9/14/08.
Orlando, FL.
IFDA: The Food Industry Truck Driving Championship.
Promote Safety & Reward Your Best in this International Competition , Truck Driving Championships help reduce losses, improve morale, and show your insurance carrier that you “walk the talk " when it comes to safety.
Drivers who compete in these competitions are safer drivers— they practice all year round—every time they maneuver through congested traffic or back up to make a delivery in a tight alley.
, This is the only national-level competition held for the food distribution industry.
Drivers representing foodservice distributors, foodservice manufacturers with private fleets, retail/wholesale distributors, self-distributing retail supermarket companies, and other types of food companies across North America gather to compete each year.
We urge you to consider sending your best drivers to compete in this important safety event !.
, Please click the link above and visit the IFDA website to learn more about the truck driving championship and how to become involved.
9/27/08 to 10/1/08.
Dallas, TX.
Progressive Group Alliance Business Summit.
The Service Provider Expo will be held Sunday, September 28th and then the first session of the Summit buying show will take place Monday and Tuesday.
, Please be sure to visit us at booth number 17 during Sunday, September 28th's expo !.
10/12/08 to 10/14/08.
Pittsburgh, PA.
IFDA Foodservice Distribution Conference & Expo.
Designed for decision makers across the foodservice distribution industry, this event provides exceptional education and peer-to-peer sharing with insights on distribution center operations, transportation, technology, and human resources.
This unique education is combined with an exposition where you can see the latest products and service providers supporting distributor operations.
This industry-wide IFDA event is supported by UniPro Foodservice, Progressive Group Alliance, F.A.B., Golbon, Bellissimo Foods, Federated Foodservice, and IMA.
, This is the one conference of the year that every foodservice distributor should attend.
Foodservice distributor members of the supporting buying groups, combined with IFDA's membership, represent more than 70 percent of the $215 billion in estimated annual sales within the foodservice distribution community for 2006.
These companies represent more than 1,900 distribution centers operating across North America and internationally.
The Foodservice Distribution Conference & Expo is the industry's solution of choice for gaining operational insights and seeing the best products and services supporting distributor operations.
, On this year's agenda: Key Components of High Performance Operations, Lowering Operating Expenses, Driver Training Practices, Matching TI/HIs to Reduce Handling Costs, How to Build IT Infrastructure to Support Operational Technologies, Maintaining a Union-Free Environment, How to Control Health Care Costs, and much more!.
11/9/08 to 11/12/08.
Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort.
IFMA and IFDA present Presidents Conference 2008.
Collaboration is vitally important in today's challenging marketplace.
The IFMA/IFDA Presidents Conference presents an ideal forum for interacting with other foodservice leaders.
, You are invited to attend this dynamic, top-to-top conference, which offers an unsurpassed opportunity to connect with operator and distributor customers and to gain insights you can incorporate into strategic planning.
, Presidents Conference 2008 features: , Keynote remarks from conservative icon Patrick Buchanan, who will analyze the day's political and cultural headlines and their impact on the country's future, Perspectives from leading foodservice and business authorities, Peer-to-peer interaction with your operator and distributor supply-chain partners, Networking events designed to help you widen your circle of business contacts, and Special activities, which are included in your VIP registration fee.
2/22/09 to 2/25/09.
Las Vegas, NV.
National Meat Association (NMA)'s Meat XPO '09.
MEATXPO'09 is an equipment/machinery show that focuses specifically on the meat industry plus a convention with roundtable sessions that provide interactive exchange on the most current industry issues.
It is designed to give you access to some of the most influential industry people.
More information will be available at the NMA website: NMAonline.org.
Suppliers, plan to exhibit at this long-running trade show.
1/27/08 to 1/30/08.
Amelia Island, FL.
IFDA Partners Executive Forum.
AFS Technologies will participate in the IFDA Partners Executive Forum in Amelia Island, FL.
These one-on-one sessions provide an excellent opportunity to discuss the advanced technology solutions AFS offers the foodservice community.
2/14/08 to 2/16/08.
F.A.B., Incorporated Sales & Marketing Winter Conference.
AFS Technologies will attend the F.A.B.
Winter Sales, Marketing and Procurement conference in Dallas, Texas.
2/24/08 to 2/26/08.
Boston, MA.
International Boston Seafood Show.
AFS Technologies will exhibit our fully integrated portfolio of enteprise software solutions designed for seafood importers, processors and distributors.
Solutions available include complete distribution and financials, warehouse management, web order management, supply chain management, eCommerce, business intelligence, and mobile sales & delivery products.
, The AFS ERP solution offers a real time interface to wash down computer stations complete with interfaced scales and bar code labeling for accuracy & tracking for COOL, HACCP, Bioterrorism Act, and all USDA requirements.
3/10/08 to 3/11/08.
San Francisco, CA.
UniPro 2008 Spring Purchasing Conference.
AFS Technologies will attend the UniPro 2008 Spring Purchasing Conference, in San Francisco.
We will exhibit our fully integrated portfolio of enteprise software solutions designed for foodservice distributors, and the PROFILE database of foodservice product information.
, AFS Technologies is the number one provider of complete end-to-end, real time business solutions engineered specifically for the food industry.
We address areas such as financial reporting, purchase forecasting, transportation, deals & rebate tracking, inventory traceability and product recalls, as well as sales & marketing and warehouse management with RF & voice technology.
Our unique modular design gives you the flexibility to address your most important needs without a complete system replacement.
5/17/08 to 5/20/08.
Chicago, IL.
National Restaurant Show.
AFS Technologies will attend the NRA Show in Chicago to meet with foodservice manufacturers and discuss the PROFILE database of product information.
, PROFILE is the number one source for detailed foodservice product information available to the industry.
Key information such as ingredient statements, nutritional information, preparation instructions, packaging specifications, allergens, product size and dimensions and can be found in PROFILE, and the information is updated by the manufacturer.
, Visit www.profileshowcase.com for more an example of the type of information that reaches the market through PROFILE.
AFS attends important trade events offered or sponsored by prominent industry associations, buying groups, and publications.
AFS Technologies conducts regular webinars pertaining to the Food Processing and Food Distribution industries.
Learn how an innovative and cutting-edge Enterprise Solution can help increase profits and increase productivity throughout your entire business.
New and informative events are scheduled frequently, so check back often.
Current Webinar Schedule:.
There are no events scheduled at this time.
, 2009 Industry Conference & User Exchange Online Registration , learn more.
, 2009 Industry Conference Agenda , learn more.
, 2009 Industry Conference Direct Billing Information , learn more.
, Additional Industry Conference Information Contact: Jody Schafer jodys@afsi.com.
, 602-443-4257.
2009 Industry Conference & User Exchange,.
Sunday, April 5 - Tuesday, April 7, 2009 New location!,.
Mark your calendar now for this exciting event - it will be here before you know it !.
We anticipate around 300 guests at the lovely Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains, so you will be sure to have plentiful networking opportunities - why not learn from other industry professionals, face to face, about their successes with AFS solutions ?.
You will also have the opportunity to learn more about all AFS solutions - existing and upcoming - from those who know them best - the AFS employees you already know as well as those behind the intricate architecture and technology.
Each year we strive to create and execute a conference that is worthwhile and enjoyable for you, our customers.
This year we will go to great lengths to provide you with accurate information, live product demos, one-on-one time with AFS employees, and will work hard to accommodate your needs.
Please join us.
We ca not wait to see you again next year !.
More information coming soon!, Contact: Jody Schafer jodys@afsi.com.
602-443-4257.
Download electronic or print paper copies of AFS marketing materials including brochures, data sheets, case studies, newsletters and white papers.
Company Brochure.
AFS Technologies, Incorporated Company Brochure (Four Page).
Company Overview Brochure.
Product Data Sheets.
Describes the AFS ERP software product.
Describes the AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS Complete Accounting and Financial Application -- part of AFS ERP.NET.
AFS GATEWAY.
Describes the AFS GATEWAY Enterprise Application Integration product.
Describes the AFS WMS wireless bar code scanning warehouse management software product.
AFS MOBILE Sales Standard Edition for Laptop.
Describes the AFS MOBILE Standard Edition Sales Automation Software for Laptop.
AFS WEB Order Management.
Describes the AFS WEB 3.0 customer self-service order management software product.
AFS MOBILE Sales Handheld.
Describes the AFS MOBILE Sales Automation Software for Handhelds.
AFS Business Intelligence (BIS) - MicroStrategy.
Describes the AFS Business Intelligence software product featuring MicroStrategy.
Describes the AFS REPLENISH demand forecasting and replenishment application.
Describes the AFS production management software product for food processors and manufacturers.
AFS Transportation Solution.
Describes Delivery Automation for Foodservice Distribution.
AFS Technology Overview.
Describes AFS Technology and Product Roadmap functionality, benefits, and product architecture.
AFS Order Management.
Describes the incorporation of AFS Laptop, AFS Web, AFS PDA, and Inside Sales Module.
AFS PROFILE.
Describes the history, technology, features, and benefits of the AFS PROFILE Database.
Newsletters.
AFS Today Summer 2008 Customer Newsletter.
2008 Customer Conference Registration Brochure.
Describes the 28th AFS Customer Conference and provides registration forms.
AFS TODAY Summer 2005 Customer Newsletter.
AFS TODAY Summer 2007 Customer Newsletter.
Most recent issue.
AFS TODAY Spring 2005.
Case Studies.
Core Distribution and Financials (ERP) Software.
Seder Foods Corporation Customer Success Story.
Warehouse Management System using Scanning and Voice Picking.
Lomar Distributing Success Story.
Warehouse Management System using Psion Teklogix Bar Code Scanning Equipment.
J & B GROUP Customer Success Story.
Warehouse Management System using Wireless Bar Code Scanning.
Vend Catering Supply Customer Success Story.
Handheld Order Entry and ERP Software.
Deli Management Incorporated Customer Success Story.
Customer Feature Article.
Article Featuring Customer Florida Food Service.
White Papers.
There are no documents for this category.
Demonstrations of our leading edge products are available over the internet from an AFS Sales Executive.
Demonstrations are tailored to your company's specific needs and can range from 30 minutes to several hours depending upon your level of interest.
To request a demo please phone (602) 522-8282 and ask for the Sales Department or send your request via email to sales@afsi.com.
In order to download documentation, you are required to register with AFS with the form below.
All items are required.
First Name.
Last Name.
Phone.
Organization.
New Features.
, Point of Scale.
A Sneak Peek Into Astra's Latest Innovations.
Critical to being competitive in today's highly evolving business environment, is the ability to increase productivity, while maintaining or decreasing costs.
The challenge is to find and use tools that are right for a company's needs.
Astra prides itself for giving clients the right solutions with the right tools.
That is why, as a technology partner, they listen to what customers want and need when developing new features and leading-edge options that help businesses operate in the environments of tomorrow.
Astra's New A Option.
Introducing a new Astra System option that revolutionizes the way your company handles fresh product.
Astra's new Advance Availability Assessment (A) option brings a whole new timing dimension to your inventory availability functions.
" This new option not only allows a company to know what is in inventory, but when it's in inventory - instantly and in real time, " said Abe Nezvadovitz.
" Very simply put, it gives sales a more accurate picture of what can be sold, and when.
Timing is everything !.
The A option deals with various facets of the product supply cycle with date sensitivity.
It transparently calculates and displays product availability, taking into account incoming purchase orders, product lead time, open orders, current available inventory and production orders.
As one of the largest seafood distributors in the Rocky Mountain region, the Seattle Fish Company, located in Denver, recently began using the option.
" The logic of this is simple, the results are fantastic, " said Derek Figueroa, the company's Chief Financial Officer.
" We previously used the white boards to validate all our inventory requests.
Now, the system does the work and the white boards are a thing of the past.
And, using it for the first time was a huge non-event because it worked so well.
" We're very pleased - with no headaches and no problems, " added Seattle Fish President Ed Iacino.
" It's really given us the tools we need to make orders work seamlessly with inventory and production.
, The whiteboard wall that stood for years at Seattle Fish was , eliminated by Astra's A3.
" With A, a sales rep can now place an order, accurately and with confidence, one, two, four or ten days out without the system holding them back, " said Nezvadovitz.
" Similarly, if the lead time is five days, and sales wants to place an order for more than what is available for delivery in three days, the system wo not let the sale go through.
If sales, however, places an order for delivery in six days, they can sell as much as they need because the buyer has enough time to bring it in.
Sales will always be able to give customers an accurate picture of what can and ca not be sold at any given time.
According to Nezvadovitz, this option was specially designed so as not to have a significant negative impact on the performance of the order entry system.
" We understand how critical it is for our clients to be able to enter orders from their customers quickly and accurately, " he said.
" This option gives us a competitive edge, new capabilities and savings, " said Figueroa.
" It's even allowed us to reallocate our data entry people to calling customers and building customer relationships.
We're very pleased with it and the staff is excited about it.
Route Control.
The Astra team has developed a special Route Control feature for regional distributors.
When entering an order, the feature automatically and more accurately assigns the next day delivery and route to customers or ship-to locations.
If there are multiple ship-to locations, it prompts the user to determine which location so a date can then be calculated.
It also considers order cutoff times and allows for the establishment of seasonal routes.
In addition, a new security component protects route changes with a password and takes into account on which dates any route changes are effective.
A New Optional Feature That Generates Purchase Orders Directly From Sales Order Entry Is Now Available.
The Astra Sales Order Purchase Order Interface (SOPOI) feature is especially useful for companies that frequently purchase product to fill specific sales orders, sometimes called " back-to-back " ordering.
It allows a salesperson to sell product that is not in inventory and the system will then prompt from which vendor you'd like to purchase the product.
It allows individual lines on the sales order to be purchased from different vendors, and after the order is complete, it will summarize those lines by vendor and create the purchase orders.
The key function in this process is the linkage established between the sales order line and the purchase order.
Save time and increase efficiency.
New System Features Meeting Your Needs.
At Astra we are always improving the core system with features our vast client base asks for as well as incorporating innovative state of the art features you'd expect.
Here are a few spotlight improvements that are a result of the last releases:.
Master Files.
We have added 11 additional User Defined fields to the Customer Master.
We have written a utility program that allows you to change an Item ID and all the associated history and references to the old ID will be updated with the new ID.
EDI and UPS Worldship.
We continue to enhance our EDI, Electronic Data Interchange, module (AstraEC) to include more document types.
Receiving orders and sending invoices from your trading partners that require EDI has never been easier.
AstraEC now has direct support with over 150 of the most common trading partners in the food industry.
We recently added support for EDI documents reporting consumption information and purchase history data, as well.
In keeping current with enhancements to the UPS Worldship interface, Astra now offers direct ODBC connections to the UPS Worldship application.
We have revised setup documents available by calling support.
Security & Audits.
We have added several additional security controls further allowing you to customize the abilities of individual users on the system.
We have added extensive audits to master files.
These audit files enable tracking of changes performed to the Item Master, Customer Master, Warehouse-Item and Lot records.
In addition, any changes performed on sales order headers or details can be traced back to the exact user and time the changes were made.
Better control over system features like enable or disabling the capability of having the credit or debit memo automatically apply against the original invoice.
Reports & Labels.
Several new reports have been created and added.
Be sure to add these to the appropriate menu so you can utilize the information they provide.
Another improvement is in the area of Pick Labels for those of you that have Astra Point of Scale (POSc) feature where your electronic scales are integrated to your order picking and invoicing, you now have the ability to generate pick labels only for items handled by the POSc stations or only those that are not, or both.
In addition, if you sell to customers that have unique label requirements, we added support for specific label formats based on the customer the order is for.
In the PO receiving area, we added the ability to instant print the receiving worksheet right after entering the PO, as well as in a batch form based on the expected date of the PO.
End Of Period Procedures.
We know that running routine tasks at the end of each week can be tedious so we improved the end of week history update programs to allow them to be scheduled and run non-interactively on a predetermined day of the week and time.
This task makes sure your weekly sales figures accurately reflect the weekly period.
The Astra System was designed to change with company needs, not be an obstacle to change.
By using the most advanced tools in the computer software industry, Astra is ready to operate in the environments of tomorrow, protecting a company's software investment.
The IBM-Informix Dynamic 4th Generation Language (4GL) and relational database that are the foundation of the Astra product, allow businesses to take advantage of the newest innovations in computer technology.
Astra Information offers expert advice and assistance to ensure a company is using its system to its utmost potential.
Whether the requirements include five workstations on a PC network or 200 workstations linked on a nationwide telecommunications network, Astra has the tools and the experience to do it right: Bar-code, scales, radio frequency terminals, digital communications, or whatever your business needs.
KEY ASTRA SYSTEM FEATURES:.
System exclusively designed for Food Distributors, Processors, Importers , IBM-Informix database , Powerful database search capability , Responsive " natural " order entry system , Order Guide to increase sales productivity , Instantly accessible look-up windows with complex query , Information Centers , Drill down displays , Online help screens , Numerous user definable controls , Modular design , Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) , Direct access to data using EXCEL or LOTUS tools ,.
The Foundation of the Astra System:, Open Systems.
IBMINFORMIX RELATIONAL DATABASE.
, The most valuable asset an Information Technology (IT) system can provide is the power to access your information any way you need it, with the most advanced tools available.
That is why experienced data professionals know the importance of using an Open Database.
Astra Information chose IBMInformix.
one of the world's top three database companies., IBMINFORMIX DATABASE.
SQL based for accessing information through many standard Report & Query tools.
Integrated Client/Server architecture takes advantage of new Symmetric Multi-processors.
Data integrity is ensured via advanced features such as transaction logging and automatic rollback, so if a problem arises, the system ensure the safekeeping of critical information.
, Report Writers and Graphical Analysis Tools.
Windows or Macintosh based, advanced, easy to use tools are available for companies to design their own custom reports and inquiry screens.
Excel or Lotus Spreadsheet programs allow the ability to link directly to " live ".
data stored in the IBMInformix Relational Database.
Dynamic 4TH GENERATION Language.
Rather than continue to use original COBOL and BASIC programs, Astra Information rewrote more than 500 programs into one of the languages of the 21st Century.
Through the life of an organization's computer system, the software must be modified to fit changes in the way business is done.
IBMInformix Dynamic 4GL gives Astra the ability to make those modifications in less time than with conventional programming languages, which ultimately saves clients money.
SQL and 4GL together allow for total flexibility in using the newest computer technologies to an Astra customers' advantage.
Whether an organization needs the newest RISC processors or PCs tied into a network, the Astra System can meet and exceed requirements.
Making the Most of Your Critical Information.
The Astra System is comprised of the following integrated software modules:.
Sales and Operations.
, Sales Order Processing.
, Optional Sales Order Accessories.
, Other Innovative Options.
, Pricing.
, Sales Analysis & Commissions.
, Reporting & Executive Information.
Inventory Management and Processing.
, Inventory Control.
, Item and Warehouse Features.
, Processing & Grading Options.
, Physical Inventory.
, Purchase Order Processing.
Accounting.
, Accounts Receivable and Collections.
, Accounts Payable.
, General Ledger.
Please note that the Astra Food Distribution Management System cannot be adequately described at this site.
For more complete information and a demonstration, contact Astra Information Systems directly.,.
AFS GATEWAY Delivers Single and Open Application Integration between , AFS and non-AFS Software Products.
PHOENIX April 13, 2007 AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (AFS), the leading provider of food and beverage enterprise software solutions will announce at its Annual Customer Conference the general release of its new universal software integration product AFS GATEWAY.
The company's Chief Technology Officer Mr Suhas Gudihal will introduce the product in the General Session and AFS clients can view AFS GATEWAY in the Conference PartnerWorld Demonstration area.
AFS GATEWAY has been designed to allow food and beverage enterprises to easily, at their own pace, add and implement new peripheral applications and in the future migrate to the new AFS ERP .NET Enterprise Software.
AFS GATEWAY is offered at no additional license cost to AFS clients using the product to integrate AFS peripheral products with the new versions of AFS ERP applications.
The new AFS Gateway product lowers customer's cost of enterprise software ownership (TCO) by eliminating multiple, point-to-point interfaces between applications, eliminating custom interface development, and significantly reducing on-going custom software maintenance costs.
Consistent with the AFS Advanced Enterprise solution Service Oriented Architecture, AFS GATEWAY is built using Microsoft .NET 2.0 Framework.
Enterprise Application Integration products like AFS GATEWAY enable unrestricted movement of data from one application to the other without the need for sweeping changes to the applications or data base structures, said Kurien Jacob, Chief Executive Officer.
By sharing business data and processes across connected applications or data sources, distributor's employees will have real-time access to key data increasing organizational efficiency and financial performance, he added.
This technology is already in use at over 20 AFS customers with very favorable results.
At this week's conference we'll explain the new product benefits to a larger customer audience and share how everyone can take advantage of this integration breakthrough.
Media Contact:, AFS Technologies, Incorporated , Mark Skoog, Vice President, Marketing , (602) 443-4241 , mskoog@afsi.com.
PHOENIX - June 16, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end software solutions for the food industry today announced that it has joined the HP Developer & Solution Partner Program (DSPP) which provides benefits and services for independent software vendors (ISVs), Developers, & System Integrators (SIs) worldwide.
Through this program Advanced Foodsystems will bundle its food industry specific software applications with leading HP technology across a broad spectrum of platforms and operating systems to offer clients authorized and tested, single-source solutions.
, “Advanced Foodsystems has a long history of working with HP products, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS President and Chief Executive Officer.
“This program solidifies and expands the relationship by allowing AFS to receive configuration assistance from experts at HP, to conduct benchmark performance testing, and to have access to systems for application migration and porting, testing, optimizing and debugging.
AFS will be able to recommend to our customers pre-tested configurations of our software running on HP hardware -- with known performance.
All parties can be confident that the complete solution offered will meet the mission-critical performance requirements that our customers demand, at a very competitive price.
" , The HP Developer & Solution Partner Program offers its partners significant benefits including business and technical services, product information, sales and marketing support, and aggressive discounts on equipment, education and training.
The program is designed to help software companies create unique solutions across a broad range of HP platforms and operating systems and match high-quality services with the development cycle, marketing and sales needs of the partner.
AFS membership in the HP DSPP is effective immediately.
, Media Contact: , Advanced Foodsystems , Mark Skoog , (602) 443-4241 , mskoog@afsi.com , ### ,.
PHOENIX - August 4, 2004 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), the leading provider of ERP and Warehouse Management Solutions to the food industry, today announced that it has joined the Microsoft Certified Partner program as an Independent Software Vendor (ISV).
The program allows customers to trust and utilize solutions based on tested and proven technologies implemented by certified experts.
Benefits to program members include access to training, technical support, pre-release information about Microsoft products, and peer networking opportunities to allow other certified partners to come together to provide end-to-end customer solutions.
AFS has been named as a Microsoft Certified Partner for Software Products, due to its knowledge and abilities to integrate Microsoft technologies and its proven track record of developing robust and reliable software applications.
, “When customers are looking to implement a Microsoft technology solution for their business, their best bet is to turn to a company that specializes in such—a Microsoft Certified Partner, " said Kurien Jacob, President and CEO of AFS.
He added, “Being a member of the program allows us to clearly promote ourselves to customers as having proven expertise in providing high-quality software.
" , Microsoft Certified Partners possess a high degree of competence and expertise with Microsoft technologies.
Certified Partners must meet strict program entrance criteria including technology certification and a portfolio of real-world customer experience in specific solution areas.
Recently, AFS has successfully leveraged Microsoft technologies in significant projects with Deli Management Incorporated and Tucson Cooperative Warehouse.
, Commenting on the new affiliation with Microsoft, AFS President and CEO Kurien Jacob said, “We are extremely pleased to mark this new and important alignment with Microsoft which gives AFS access to the most crucial and timely industry developments, information and affiliation opportunities, and will surely be of great benefit to us internally and to all of our valued clients.
As we further develop the features and functions of our market leading ERP, warehouse management, CRM, and supply chain management applications, this partnership and Microsoft technology will play an essential role, " he concluded.
, About Advanced Foodsystems , Advanced Foodsystems is the leading provider of fully integrated ERP software solutions to the food processing and distribution industries.
, Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
AFS to resell Psion Teklogix' line of rugged mobile computing devices , to food processing and distribution industries , Mississauga, ON-February 4, 2004 - Psion Teklogix, (LSE: PON), a global provider of solutions for mobile computing and wireless data collection, and Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of ERP software and Warehouse Management Solutions to the food industry, today announced they have entered into a Value Added Reseller and Co-Marketing partnership.
AFS will now sell Psion Teklogix' line of rugged mobile computing devices and professional services as part of its complete wireless bar code scanning Warehouse Management Solution that includes software, hand-held and vehicle mounted bar code scanning computers, wireless network equipment and professional services.
, “Psion Teklogix is known throughout the industry for designing rugged, durable mobile data collection equipment that performs well in the harshest of environments, " said Kurien Jacob, President and CEO of Advanced Foodsystems.
“The addition of Psion Teklogix equipment to our Warehouse Management Solutions (WMS) portfolio will allow us to serve the needs of our most demanding wholesale customers, " he continued.
, WMS solutions replace paper and create an electronic, automated warehouse management system that increases product movement accuracy from vendor receipt to customer invoicing including receiving, put away, replenishment and picking operations.
Employees and managers can update and access inventory status and transaction data in real-time.
Benefits include reduced operating and administrative costs through improved warehouse efficiency, increased employee productivity, improved inventory management and control, plus increased customer satisfaction.
, The new agreement enables AFS to resell Psion Teklogix' complete line of rugged mobile computing devices to its customers.
Psion Teklogix manufactures several devices that are specifically targeted for harsh operating environments that are commonly found in the food industry.
The Psion Teklogix 7035 freezer-rated hand-held computer with its frost free scanner and ability to work in condensing environments and the versatile 7535 hand-held computer are just two devices out of its portfolio that will enable AFS customers to scan and track inventory in the most rugged warehouse environments.
Psion Teklogix will also provide a range of professional services including but not limited to wireless network analysis, design, deployment and support.
, “Expanding our channel is a key priority for Psion Teklogix and is why we have partnered with Advanced Foodsystems - a strong player in the food processing and distribution industries, " said Kyle Day, Regional Vice President, Psion Teklogix Americas.
“AFS is aggressively signing new customers throughout North America and we are excited to be working with them to deliver complete mobile computing solutions to their diverse customer base.
" Day concluded.
, About Advanced Foodsystems , For over eighteen years, Phoenix-based Advanced Foodsystems has been a leading provider of fully integrated ERP software solutions to the food processing and distribution industries.
The company's many customers include Grocery, Meat, Fish, Dairy and Produce Wholesalers, Foodservice Distributors, Convenience Store and Grocery Distributors, and Food Processors and Manufacturers.
Solutions available include ERP/Business Management, Warehouse Management, Business Intelligence, Sales Force Automation and eBusiness/eCommerce.
, About Psion Teklogix , Psion Teklogix is a global provider of solutions for mobile computing and wireless data collection.
The company's fully integrated mobile computing solutions include rugged hardware, secure wireless networks, robust software, professional services and exceptional support programs.
The largest operating division of Psion PLC, Psion Teklogix plays a key role in its parent company's vision to create new ways to access mobile data.
With over three decades of industry experience, the company has customers in more than in 60 countries around the world, and 43 sales and support offices in 20 countries.
Psion Teklogix is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada with additional corporate offices located in the United States, Europe and Asia.
For more information, visit www.psionteklogix.com.
, Media Contact: , Advanced Foodsystems , Mark Skoog , (602) 443-4241 , mskoog@afsi.com , Psion Teklogix , Charmaine D'Silva , (905) 812-6382 , charmaine.dsilva@teklogix.com , High Road Communications for Psion Teklogix , Natasha Georgantas , (416) 368-8348 , ngeorgantas@highroad.com , ### ,.
AFS Technologies, Incorporated Completes the Acquisitions of IRM Corporation and Motek Information Systems, Incorporated , AFS secures $13.0 Million in Equity Financing led by CIBC Capital Partners and a $25 million Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Foothill , , PHOENIX, AZ - August 29, 2008 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated ( " AFS " ), a leading provider of software solutions to the food and beverage industry, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of IRM Corporation (“IRM " ), a Dallas, TX-based leading provider of both on-demand and on-premises business intelligence, forecasting and trade promotion management solutions to manufacturers, distributors and brokers in the food, beverage and CPG industries, all delivered in the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model.
, AFS also announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Motek Information Systems, Incorporated (“Motek " ), a Beverly Hills, CA-based technology leader in the warehouse management systems (WMS) and Third Party Warehouse (3PL) market.
Motek is a leader in WMS systems that utilize voice recognition and wireless mobile data terminals.
Motek's customer base includes companies such as Associated Grocers, Federated Co-op, Four Seasons Produce and Southern Company.
, With the acquisitions of IRM and Motek, AFS now serves over 750 customers operating within the manufacturing, processing and distribution segments of the food and beverage industries.
AFS will employ over 150 professionals and will be headquartered in Phoenix, AZ with offices in CA, CT, FL, TX, and Bangalore, India.
" I am very pleased with the acquisitions of IRM and Motek.
The integration of business intelligence (BI) into AFS' Order Management solutions, and eventually into other AFS solutions, on a SaaS basis, should enhance AFS' overall product value to our existing customers.
In addition, not only does IRM's customer base expand the market potential for all of AFS' solutions into the food manufacturing space, but also Motek's customer base allows AFS to introduce its technology into markets beyond food and beverage, " said Kurien Jacob, CEO of AFS.
, AFS also announced today that it has closed a $13.0 million equity financing, led by CIBC Capital Partners, which is responsible for all of the principal investing activities of CIBC World Markets on a global basis.
The Venture Group, part of CIBC World Markets Capital Partners division, is one of the largest and most experienced venture groups in North America.
Ticonderoga Capital, an existing investor, also participated in the equity financing.
" CIBC Capital Partners is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to support the growth of AFS, " said Alexis Boyle, Executive Director, CIBC Capital Partners, Venture Group.
" We believe the company has an excellent management team and outstanding technology, and thus, a great opportunity to become the dominant player in its markets.
We are looking forward to partnering with AFS management to continue to successfully build the company.
" , AFS also announced today that it had closed a $25 million credit facility arranged by Wells Fargo Foothill, part of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC).
A portion of the $38 million of total proceeds was used to finance the acquisitions of IRM and Motek and retire outstanding mezzanine debt, with the remaining amount to be used for possible further acquisitions.
“I am excited to have been able to secure the partnership and financial support of CIBC Capital Partners and Wells Fargo Foothill, two leading, global financial institutions.
Their support and expertise building software companies will be extremely critical to the successful growth of AFS.
I am looking forward to working with Wells Fargo Foothill's Technology Finance team to continue to build a world class organization, " said Kurien Jacob.
, Concurrently with the closing of the above transactions, Alexis Boyle, Executive Director of CIBC Capital Partners - Venture Group, and David Butler, President of Ticketmaster-Irvine (fka Paciolan, Incorporated ), have joined the Board of Directors of AFS.
" With the financial support of CIBC Capital Partners and Wells Fargo Foothill, coupled with AFS' state-of-the-art technology platform, AFS now has the technology and the ability to provide a complete suite of products and services, as well as the scale and profitability to continue to successfully consolidate industry providers, and emerge as the premier, leading provider of software solutions to the food and beverage industry, " said Walter Barandiaran, Chairman of AFS and a Managing Partner of Argentum.
, , About AFS Technologies, Incorporated , AFS Technologies Incorporated is the leading provider of software solutions for the food and beverage industry.
This unique modularly designed system offers solutions for Distribution, Sales & Marketing, Financials, Processing, Warehouse Management, Transportation, and Database Services featuring the industry's largest database of product information and recipes, the PROFILE Database.
For more information, please contact AFS Technologies via email at info@afsi.com, by phone at (602) 522-8282 or visit us on the web at www.afsi.com.
For more information, please visit: www.irmcorporation.com.
, About Motek Information Systems, Incorporated , Founded in 1991, Motek is an established, profitable software company that is a technology leader in the Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) market.
Motek's success can be attributed to three specific factors that differentiate Motek from others in this space: scalable product, process, and support.
For more information, please visit: www.motek.com.
, About CIBC Capital Partners , Founded in 1989, CIBC Capital Partners is responsible for all of the principal investing activities of CIBC World Markets on a global basis.
CIBC Capital Partners manages numerous investment portfolios with total committed funds in excess of CAD$5.4 billion and investments in over 250 companies and approximately 150 third party funds.
CIBC Capital Partners make both direct investments and fund investments across diverse industries, geographies and stages of development.
Since 1989, CIBC has provided private equity, mezzanine and bridge financing to create, grow and recapitalize companies in North America, Europe and Australia.
CIBC Capital Partners - Venture Group is one of the largest and most experienced venture groups in North America.
Focusing on growth-oriented businesses in dynamic industries, the Venture Group looks to help founders and management teams take their company to the next level.
The Venture Group is part of CIBC World Markets' Capital Partners Division, alongside the merchant banking and private equity funds.
For more information, please visit: www.cibcwm.com.
, About Wells Fargo Foothill , Wells Fargo Foothill is a leading provider of senior secured financing to middle-market companies across the United States and Canada, offering flexible, innovative credit facilities from $10 million to $1 billion and more.
It is part of Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company with $609 billion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance to more than 23 million customers from almost 6,000 stores and the Internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and elsewhere internationally.
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
is the only bank in the US , and one of two banks worldwide, to have the highest possible credit rating from both Moody's Investors Service, “Aaa, " and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, “AAA.
" For more information, visit Wells Fargo Foothill on the Internet at www.wellsfargofoothill.com.
, About Ticonderoga Capital , Ticonderoga invests in later stage business process outsourcing, healthcare business services and software as a service (SaaS) firms.
It focuses upon companies with sustained revenue and proven gross margins.
Ticonderoga seeks growth businesses, which have achieved a balance between sustainable growth and expense control.
Its capital is typically used to accelerate revenue growth, make acquisitions, or provide liquidity to founders and existing shareholders.
Ticonderoga is often the lead and first institutional investor, but also participates as a member of larger syndicates with other respected investment groups.
Furthermore, Ticonderoga is often a minority investor thus it views its relationship with management crucial to its success.
Therefore, its objective is to create long-term partnerships with exceptional management teams who are building growth businesses and require Ticonderoga's experience, knowledge, contacts and capital to maximize their success.
For more information, please visit: www.ticonderogacap.com.
, About The Argentum Group , The Argentum Group is a New York-based private equity firm that provides expansion capital to rapidly growing small and mid-sized businesses with market leading potential.
Argentum targets those industries experiencing rapid growth or undergoing fundamental change in the areas of business services, healthcare, software/SaaS, and clean (environmental) technologies/services.
Argentum serves as general partner of investment partnerships with over $400 million of capital under management.
Since its founding in 1988 Argentum has invested in over 100 companies across a broad range of industries.
For more information, please visit: www.argentumgroup.com.
PHOENIX - July 23, 2008 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (“AFS " ) offers the most comprehensive rebate tracking module in the food and beverage industry.
Up to now, this module has been part of the ERP systems and was only available to those using AFS ERP or AFS FoodDistribute.
As part of the rollout of the AFS Service-Oriented Architecture products, we are now scheduled to release the Rebate Tracking Module as a stand-alone product that can interface to any backend system using the AFS Order Management System, or as an independent module working with any ERP system.
, “With 20 years of experience in the food service industry, AFS has deep domain knowledge of how rebates are administered in the food industry.
This domain knowledge, combined with the Service-Oriented Architecture, produces the best product in the market, " said Kurien Jacob, CEO of AFS.
The module can be acquired as subscription model or can be acquired as a license model and will be available for general release in October 2008.
, Many food service and broadline distributors realize profit from only a fraction of the many rebates manufactures offer due to the complexity of the various programs used to obtain them.
AFS Rebate Tracking Module will track all these rebates and will provide options to create a separate invoice for the credit and provide off invoice pricing options as well (if used with the AFS Order Management System).
This tool will help you manage these rebate offers effectively so you get the most back every time for your efforts.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , F.A.B.
, Fully Integrated ERP System improves efficiencies and profitability offered as Software as a Service (SaaS) , , PHOENIX - July 10, 2008 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (“AFS " ) and F.A.B.
Incorporated announced the immediate availability of F.A.B.
Connect, a SaaS version of the AFS Enterprise ERP designed specifically for F.A.B.
members.
AFS is the leading provider of innovative software solutions to the food and beverage industry and F.A.B.
Incorporated (Frosty Acres Brands) is a leading national cooperative with a strong commitment to helping its members improve profitability with leading edge technology solutions.
, “F.A.B.
is committed to bringing our members the purchasing programs and value added services that they need to be successful, " said George Watson, President and CEO of F.A.B.
Incorporated “Strategic alliances with companies like AFS Technologies ensure that our members have access to a full array of technology solutions for their businesses.
The F.A.B.
Connect System and the unique modular design of the AFS product portfolio gives our members the ability to implement solutions as they need them rather than undergo complete systems replacements which can be disruptive to the business, " added Watson.
, “We are excited to be working with F.A.B.
and their members, " said Kurien Jacob, CEO of AFS Technologies.
“F.A.B.
recognizes the importance of sound technology strategies and has taken the lead in ensuring that their members have access to the best tools available in the Food & Beverage Industry.
" , “The SaaS offering provides the full benefits of the highly acclaimed AFS ERP software solution on a monthly cost per user.
AFS will host the software, provide support and upgrades and enable local input and printing at customer sites, all for an all inclusive monthly fee.
No capital investment is required, " said Ken Yontz, Executive VP of AFS Technologies.
, Built utilizing service oriented architecture (SOA) and the Microsoft .NET platform, the AFS Solutions offer users the greatest flexibility in deployment and a lower total cost of ownership.
, About F.A.B.
Incorporated , F.A.B., Incorporated is a national marketing and food purchasing cooperative, dedicated to helping our members provide high-quality national brands and private brands, packaged under the Restaurant's Pride label at the lowest prices possible.
Our headquarters is located in Alpharetta, GA, a suburb 28 miles north of Atlanta.
The F.A.B., Incorporated cooperative is comprised of independent food distributors in the US , Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas.
F.A.B., Incorporated members consist of broadliners, wholesalers, retailers, C-store distributors, system distributors, and center-of-the plate specialists.
For more information about F.A.B., Incorporated please call JanuaryJohnson at 1-800-569-4821, or visit www.frostyacres.com.
, Media Contact: , AFS Technologies, Incorporated , Ken Yontz , EVP, Sales & Marketing , (602) 443-4266 , keny@afsi.com ,.
AFS OM System includes integrated Laptop, Web, PDA or Server-based deployment.
, , PHOENIX - May 1, 2008 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (“AFS " ), the leading provider of innovative software solutions to the food and beverage industry, announced the immediate availability of the new AFS Order Management System at their Annual Customer Conference in Phoenix.
AFS OM is the first fully integrated multi-channel system designed specifically for the food & beverage market.
, This is the industry's first system to offer one centralized order management solution that fully integrates all order channels.
Regardless of how the order is entered, Inside Sales, Remote Laptop Sales, Web Sales or PDA, the information is always in synch between the AFS order entry modules and accounting.
This unique approach reduces administrative overhead, ensures complete and accurate order information and takes customer service to a whole new level.
Utilizing service-oriented architecture (SOA) and Microsoft .NET framework this “one of a kind " system can be fully integrated with any legacy ERP system, offering users the power of the latest order management tools without the need to replace their entire system.
“This is a totally new concept in order management " said Kurien Jacob, CEO of AFS.
“Until now companies have had to deal with the limitations of legacy systems and multiple ordering solutions that were only partially integrated.
That model might have improved efficiencies but the administrative overhead it required and the inability to have the same accurate information in all the systems made it difficult to see any real increase in value.
With the new AFS Order Management System we've brought all of these order channels together into one system and we've built it on the most advanced technology platform available in this industry.
" , “Having the same format for inside sales, outside sales and internet order entry is a huge asset for our customers and our staff " said Ron Lukenbaugh, President of Mid-America, a foodservice distributor in Enid, Oklahoma.
“Now everyone will be viewing the same screen and have exactly the same information to work with.
These are the systems that we use to sell our products so not having to deal with the lag and lack of information is very important " added Lukenbaugh.
, The AFS OM System incorporates all the requirements of the complex pricing matrices used in the food industry as well as comprehensive recipe management capabilities.
It also features instant access to extensive product information in the PROFILE Database and many other valuable tools for consultative selling.
Additional modules may be added to include deal and rebate tracking, price optimization and full-featured CRM tools.
, , About AFS Technologies, Incorporated , AFS Technologies, Incorporated is the leading provider of software solutions for the food and beverage industry.
AFS offers the industry's only complete end-to-end software suite utilizing service-oriented architecture (SOA) and the Microsoft .NET framework.
This unique, modularly-designed system offers solutions for Distribution, Sales & Marketing, Financials, Processing, Warehouse Management, Transportation, and Database Services, featuring the industry's largest database of product information and recipes, the PROFILE Database.
, Media Contact: , AFS Technologies, Incorporated , Ken Yontz , EVP, Sales & Marketing , (386) 672-8434 , keny@afsi.com.
AFS-Revionics Arrangement to Help Distributors in Volatile Market , , NEW YORK (April 24) - In today's volatile business environment, pricing intelligence is a distributor's most competitive advantage, which not only helps the company but also its operator-customers.
, The arrangement announced today between AFS Technologies, Incorporated , Phoenix, AZ, and Revionics, Incorporated , Granite Bay, CA, satisfies that need, according to the principals.
, AFS Technologies announced that it selected Revionics, provider of price, promotion and category optimization technology for fast-moving consumer goods, retailers and distributors, to bring price optimization to its distribution clients, which will give them a competitive advantage in offering its street accounts optimum pricing on its entire inventory.
, AFS Technologies, a recognized provider of food and beverage enterprise software solutions, which last fall acquired Sales Partner Systems, Incorporated , will expand its portfolio to offer Revionics price optimization services to its clients, which bring widely adopted retail technology to the distribution segment.
, Susan Boyme, vice president of marketing for Revionics, pointed out for ID, that price optimization is not merely about raising prices for customers, but due to program's capability to evaluate pricing for all items in inventory, each week, it checks for opportunities to improve profits without impacting demand.
, Boyme explained that price optimization will honor the pricing “rules " put in place by a distributor, but will also incorporate customer demand signals to determine if prices should be raised or lowered to improve profits.
, The service takes into consideration many variables when determining pricing, including customer demand and elasticity of product pricing, product relationships and margin targets, she said.
, According to her, price optimization allows distributors to set category margin goals, and let Revionics determine which products can withstand the margin increases, removing guesswork from reaching profitability.
The service is non-intrusive, web-based, and sits on top of the distributor's existing systems.
, “For retail, we have seen net margin improvements of 1-3%, sales increases of 2-5%, and productivity increases of 20-30%.
I think these numbers are conservative, with additional room for distributors since this is new territory for all of them, " Boyme observed.
, “We are quite pleased to be the first in the industry to offer price optimization technology to our customers, " Kurien Jacob, president and ceo, AFS Technologies, said in the announcement, “Until now, distributors were using traditional rules-based pricing to calculate suggested prices for their customers.
This legacy technology left money on the table for most distributors.
With Revionics Optimization available to our clients, they can take advantage of science and demand-based pricing technology to improve the quality of their prices to the field.
Revionics technology fit extremely well with our portfolio, and their people truly understand the needs of the distributor.
" , “AFS continues its thought leadership in the industry by offering advanced pricing technology, " said Todd P Michaud, president and ceo of Revionics, “Food and beverage distributors can now compete more profitably by leveraging Revionics price optimization services.
We are looking forward to offering a solution to the distribution industry that improves efficiencies and helps distributors improve profitability.
" , ###.
PHOENIX - December 3, 2007 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (“AFS " ), the leading provider of food and beverage enterprise software solutions today announced that it has entered into an OEM agreement with McLean, Va.-based MicroStrategy® Incorporated (Nasdaq: MSTR), a leading worldwide provider of business intelligence software.
The agreement will allow AFS to offer a fully integrated business intelligence solution named AFS Business Intelligence System (BIS) to its ERP customers using both relational and non-relational databases.
, AFS Business Intelligence System gives customers the ability to create customized reports, perform sophisticated trend analyses, and monitor key metrics with at-a-glance dashboards.
Food and beverage retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and processors can use AFS Business Intelligence System to report on and analyze vast amounts of data to uncover insights that help them reduce costs, increase efficiencies, and streamline internal processes.
With MicroStrategy's zero-footprint Web-based platform, AFS customers, from executives to analysts, can monitor the performance of individuals, work groups, departments, and divisions across the areas of purchasing and sales analysis.
, “Among the BI vendors we evaluated, we found that MicroStrategy was the best fit, enabling us to quickly deliver the robust reporting, analysis, and monitoring capabilities that our customers require, at competitive prices “said Kurien Jacob, CEO of AFS.
“MicroStrategy's user-friendly Web interface is well-suited for our diverse customer base.
Users can start with simple reports and easily unlock more power as needed for enhanced data analysis.
" , “We are delighted to support AFS' BI solution, " said Sanju Bansal, MicroStrategy's COO.
“MicroStrategy's scalable and flexible platform seamlessly integrates with our OEM partners' offerings, enabling them to meet the diverse reporting and analytical requirements of their customers.
" , About AFS Technologies, Incorporated , AFS Technologies, Incorporated is the leading provider of food and beverage enterprise software solutions.
The company serves over 500 customers across North America and the Caribbean with software designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency, streamline internal processes and assist in regulatory compliances.
AFS offers the food and beverage industries only software solution that provides a complete suite of fully-integrated software applications, utilizing a database independent design, and a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) built on the Microsoft .NET framework.
Solutions available include Distribution, Financials, Food Processing, Sales & Marketing, RF & Voice-based Warehouse Management, Transportation, and Database Services featuring the industry's largest database of product information and recipes, the PROFILE® Database.
For additional information please visit our websites: www.afsi.com www.profileshowcase.com and www.recipeshowcase.com.
, About MicroStrategy , Founded in 1989, MicroStrategy is a global leader in business intelligence (BI) technology.
MicroStrategy provides integrated reporting, analysis, and monitoring software that helps leading organizations worldwide make better business decisions every day.
Companies choose MicroStrategy for its advanced technical capabilities, sophisticated analytics, and superior data and user scalability.
More information about MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR) is available at www.microstrategy.com.
, MicroStrategy and MicroStrategy Business Intelligence Platform are trademarks or registered trademarks of MicroStrategy Incorporated in the United States and certain other countries.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
, , ### ,.
Closes on a $5.2 million Equity and Mezzanine financing led by Ticonderoga Capital and Merion Investment Partners, LP , PHOENIX - September 28, 2007 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated (“AFS " ), the leading provider of enterprise software solutions to the Food & Beverage industries, announced today that it has completed the acquisition, for cash and stock, of Sales Partner Systems (“SPS " ), a Daytona Beach, FL-based provider of sales force automation (SFA) software and database management services.
, SPS is the industry approved manager of PROFILE®, a comprehensive database of product information for the food industry.
It contains valuable marketing and specification information on a vast array of products.
The information in PROFILE® includes serving suggestions, nutritional information, ingredient statements, packaging & storage information, and preparation & cooking instructions.
This information is collected directly from manufacturers and placed in the PROFILE® database.
SPS's software applications, sold on a subscription basis, facilitate the exchange of PROFILE® product information among Manufacturers, Distributors, Operators and other software companies.
, AFS now serves over 500 customers, employs over 120 professionals, and is headquartered in Phoenix-AZ, with offices in Milford-CT, Weston-FL, Daytona Beach-FL, and Bangalore, India.
, AFS also announced today that it had closed a $5.2 million financing comprised of $3.7 million in equity capital led by Ticonderoga Capital, a Wellesley, MA-based private equity firm, and an additional $1.5 million in mezzanine debt provided by Merion Investment Partners, LP who has been providing capital to AFS for its last three acquisitions, over the past 18 months.
The Argentum Group (“Argentum " ), a New York-based private equity firm and AFS's largest shareholder, played an integral role in facilitating these transactions.
, Kurien Jacob, AFS's CEO commented, “SPS was the pioneer in sales force automation in the food industry and has been the leader in this segment for some time.
We are delighted to have partnered with the management of SPS to continue the growth of AFS.
As the exclusive source for the PROFILE® Database, SPS is in a unique strategic position in the foodservice segment, which has substantial potential for growth.
" Mr Jacob added, “With the acquisition of SPS, AFS has now assembled the industry's most comprehensive family of product offerings, including Distribution, Food Processing, Financial Solutions, Sales Applications, RF & Voice-based Warehouse Management, and Transportation software.
" , “We're very enthusiastic about becoming a part of the AFS organization " said Joseph Bendix, CEO of SPS.
AFS has excellent products built on a state-of-the-art SOA technology platform.
Their extensive development expertise, utilizing the Microsoft .NET framework, will enable us to continue to provide our customers with innovative products at a much faster pace than we could have done on our own.
In addition, our manufacturing customers will benefit from AFS's customer base of over 400 distribution companies, who will now have access to their PROFILE® product information.
These combined distribution customers reach virtually every foodservice operator in the United States, providing greater value to our manufacturing and distribution customers, " Mr Bendix added.
, “We look forward to supporting the continuing growth of AFS, " said Craig Jones, Managing Partner of Ticonderoga Capital.
“We believe the company has an excellent management team and the best enterprise software solution for the markets it serves.
" , Walter Barandiaran, Chairman of AFS and a Managing Partner of The Argentum Group concluded, “We are very pleased that Tyler Wick of Ticonderoga and Joe Bendix of SPS have joined AFS's Board of Directors.
They both share the vision of continuing to build AFS into the premier software solutions provider to the food and beverage industries.
Today's acquisition of SPS, following the acquisition of Astra in May 2007 and DMS in April 2006, firmly places AFS in such a leadership position.
" , Madison Park Group, a New York-based investment banking firm, advised AFS Technologies, Incorporated in the acquisition of SPS.
Please visit: www.madisongrp.com , , About AFS Technologies Incorporated , AFS Technologies, Incorporated is the leading provider of food and beverage enterprise software solutions.
AFS offers the food and beverage industries the only software solution that provides a complete suite of fully-integrated software applications, utilizing a database independent design, and a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) built on the Microsoft .NET framework.
For additional information please visit our websites: www.afsi.com www.profileshowcase.com and www.recipeshowcase.com , About Ticonderoga Capital , Ticonderoga invests in later stage business process outsourcing, healthcare business services and software as a service (SaaS) firms.
For more information, please visit: www.ticonderogacap.com , About Merion Investment Partners LP , Merion is the largest independent mezzanine fund headquartered in Pennsylvania and is focused on transactions ranging from $3 - $10 million to support organic growth, acquisitions, buyouts and generational transfer of ownership.
Merion can function as a one-stop shop to support smaller equity funds to round out their capital raise by providing both equity and debt or as a coupon only provider to larger funds in support of buyouts or acquisitions.
Merion also seeks to work directly with entrepreneurs to support their acquisition strategies as well as provide them with liquidity to diversify concentrated wealth in their companies.
For more information, please visit: www.merionpartners.com , About The Argentum Group , The Argentum Group is a New York-based private equity firm that provides capital to growing businesses in the lower middle market, and supports expansion growth, buyouts, and recapitalizations.
Argentum emphasizes the concept of “partnership investing " - backing strong management teams with proven track records and then working closely to create value together.
Argentum invests $3 to $10 million in profitable companies with revenues of $5 to $50 million, and targets industries in the areas of environmental services, outsourced/business services, healthcare services, and information technology.
Since raising its first fund in 1990, Argentum has invested in over 60 companies across a broad range of industries.
For more information, please visit: www.argentumgroup.com , , Media Contacts: , AFS Technologies, Incorporated , Kurien Jacob , Chief Executive Officer , (602) 443-4222 , kurienj@afsi.com , Sales Partner Systems , Joe Bendix , Chief Executive Officer , (386) 672-8434 , joeb@spsi.com , The Argentum Group , Walter H Barandiaran , Managing Partner , (212) 949-6262 , walter@argentumgroup.com , ### ,.
Release Lays Foundation for Customers to Add AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS as First Step in a Two Step Evolutionary Path to AFS ERP.NET , PHOENIX - July 11, 2007 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (“AFS " ), the leading provider of food and beverage enterprise software solutions today announced the availability of the FoodDistribute 5.0 release 124 - available free to existing customers under maintenance.
Release 124 includes improved audit features, more flexible deal and rebate management, time saving system administration tools and improved direct store delivery (DSD) and route sales integration.
FoodDistribute release 124 marks the fifth consecutive July release of enhancements to this industry-proven ERP product used by thousands of people to sell and distribute millions of dollars of goods each day.
, Most significantly, Release 124 lays the foundation for customers to add AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS, a complete Accounting and Financial application including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, General Ledger and Financial Reporting plus Cash Flow Forecasting and Bank Reconciliation functionality.
AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS is part of AFS ERP.NET built on the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 utilizing a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA).
SOA enables simple, module by module upgrading.
Upgrading to Release 124 and adding AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS is the first step in a two step evolutionary path to the new AFS ERP.NET system that uses the very latest technology from Microsoft.
, “FoodDistribute customers are encouraged to upgrade to Release 124 and begin taking advantage of the functionality offered in this market leading, state-of-the-art financial application That is truly an accountant's dream, " said Kurien Jacob, Chief Executive Officer of AFS Technologies.
“AFS is committed to offering our customers superior functionality using the latest technology, deployable on a customer-determined migration schedule.
Release 124 is continued proof, " he concluded.
, , About AFS Technologies, Incorporated , AFS Technologies, Incorporated is the leading provider of food and beverage enterprise software solutions.
The company serves over 300 customers across North America and the Caribbean with innovative, comprehensive and user-friendly solutions designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency, streamline internal processes and assist in regulatory compliances.
AFS offers the industry's only software solution that provides a complete suite of fully-integrated software applications, utilizing a database independent design, and a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA).
Solutions available include complete distribution and financials, deal and rebate tracking, warehouse management, web order management, supply chain management, eCommerce, business intelligence, processing, and mobile sales & delivery products.
For more information, please contact AFS Technologies, Incorporated via email at info@afsi.com, by phone at (602) 522-8282 or visit us on the web at www.afsi.com , , , , ### ,.
AFS Technologies, Incorporated Completes the Acquisition of Astra Information Systems, Incorporated Acquisition Positions AFS as the Leading Software Supplier to the Seafood Industry , PHOENIX - May 9, 2007 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated (“AFS " ), the leading provider of food and beverage enterprise software solutions, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Astra Information Systems, Inc (“Astra " ), a Weston, FL-based provider of software solutions to distributors, processors and importers, primarily in the Seafood industry.
With this acquisition, AFS now serves over 300 customers, and will be headquartered in Phoenix-AZ, with offices in Milford-CT, Weston-FL, and Bangalore, India.
AFS offers the food and beverage industries the only software solution that provides a complete suite of fully-integrated software applications, utilizing a database independent design, and a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA).
, AFS also announced today that it has closed a mezzanine debt financing, provided by Merion Investment Partners, L.P., a King of Prussia, PA-based mezzanine capital firm (“Merion " ), to fund the acquisition of Astra.
, “I am very pleased with the acquisition of Astra.
Both companies complement each other well.
AFS has made a substantial capital investment in the development of its .NET framework and Astra's management - Abe Nezvadovitz and Lee Kadin, who will play an integral role at AFS, bring deep domain expertise in the seafood industry.
As a result, Astra's customers will be offered broader product offerings on a leading edge technology platform, and more process-oriented product development and customer support, thus ensuring high quality software implementations and deployments, " said Kurien Jacob, CEO of AFS.
“ , “Merion is excited to continue to support the growth of AFS, " said William Means, Managing Partner of Merion Investment Partners, L.P.
“We believe the company has an excellent management team and the best enterprise software solution for the food and beverage industries.
" , “Our vision is to build AFS into the premier software solutions provider to the food and beverage industries.
The acquisition of Astra in May 2007, following the acquisition of DMS in April 2006, adds additional scale to position AFS firmly on that path, " said Walter Barandiaran, Chairman of AFS, and a Managing Partner of The Argentum Group.
, Madison Park Group advised AFS Technologies, Incorporated in the transaction.
, About AFS Technologies, Incorporated , AFS Technologies, Incorporated is the leading provider of food and beverage enterprise software solutions.
The company serves over 300 customers across North America and the Caribbean with software designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency, streamline internal processes and assist in regulatory compliances.
For more information visit www.afsi.com.
, About Astra Information Systems, Incorporated , Headquartered in South Florida, Astra Information Systems has provided software solutions to fish and seafood importers, processors and distributors for over 24 years.
Astra serves over 1,200 users and is considered the leading software provider to the seafood industry.
For more information please visit www.astrainfo.com.
, About Merion Investment Partners, L.P.
, Merion is the largest independent mezzanine fund headquartered in Pennsylvania and is focused on transactions ranging from $3 - $10 million to support organic growth, acquisitions, buyouts and generational transfer of ownership.
Visit us on the web at www.merionpartners.com.
, About The Argentum Group , The Argentum Group is a New York-based private equity firm that provides capital to growing businesses in the lower middle market, and supports expansion growth, buyouts, and recapitalizations.
Argentum invests $3 to $10 million in profitable companies with revenues of $5 to $50 million, and targets industries in the areas of outsourced services, healthcare, and information technology.
, Media Contact: , Mark Skoog , Vice President, Marketing , AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (602) 443-4241 , mskoog@afsi.com , ### ,.
AFS GATEWAY Delivers Single and Open Application Integration between AFS and non-AFS Software Products , PHOENIX - April 13, 2007 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (“AFS " ), the leading provider of food and beverage enterprise software solutions will announce at its Annual Customer Conference the general release of its new universal software integration product AFS GATEWAY.
, AFS GATEWAY has been designed to allow food and beverage enterprises to easily, at their own pace, add and implement new peripheral applications and in the future migrate to the new AFS ERP .NET Enterprise Software.
, “Enterprise Application Integration products like AFS GATEWAY enable unrestricted movement of data from one application to the other without the need for sweeping changes to the applications or data base structures, " said Kurien Jacob, Chief Executive Officer.
“By sharing business data and processes across connected applications or data sources, distributor's employees will have real-time access to key data increasing organizational efficiency and financial performance, " he added.
“This technology is already in use at over 20 AFS customers with very favorable results.
Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Cash Flow Forecasting and Bank Reconciliation Functionality Added to Previously Released General Ledger and Financial Reporting Module , , PHOENIX - April 12, 2007 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (“AFS " ), the leading provider of fully integrated software solutions to the food and beverage industry, today announced the immediate availability of AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS, a complete accounting and financial reporting application.
, “The theme of our annual customer conference beginning this weekend is Delivering the Vision and this advanced financial application delivers on the vision of a module by module upgrade path that is fully backwards compatible with the legacy ERP systems our customers use daily, " said Kurien Jacob, Chief Executive Officer of AFS Technologies.
“AFS ADVANCED FINANCIALS demonstrates our commitment to offering our customers superior functionality using the latest technology, deployable on a customer-determined migration schedule, " he added.
, Enhanced functionality includes: , • General ledger with multi-division, location, warehouse, language and currency set-up, • Flexible financial statement formatting and reporting, • Accounts receivable with customer credit, collections and cash application features, • Accounts payable with 3-way matching, • Automated cash flow forecasting, and , • System directed bank reconciliation.
, Media Contact: , AFS Technologies, Incorporated , Mark Skoog , Vice President, Marketing , (602) 443-4241 , mskoog@afsi.com , , ### ,.
AFS WEB 3.0 Offers Significant User Enhancements that Increase Solution Value , PHOENIX - November 16, 2006 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (“AFS " ), the leading provider of fully integrated software solutions to the food and beverage industry today announced the availability of AFS WEB 3.0, the third release of its online web order management software solution that offers a distributor's employees and customers, self-service order management capability over the Internet.
The release offers new shopping cart and online payment options and new highly flexible screen configuration management options.
Distributors can now easily configure the screen or screens their customers see to include exactly how much or how little information is desired to maximize sales and customer self-service.
, “This new release is another example of the synergies generated by the merger of Advanced Foodsystems and DMS, " said Kurien Jacob, Chief Executive Officer.
“We took the best aspects of DMS's Eagle Web product and AFS's WEB product, added customer requested enhancements, and rapidly wrote the release in Microsoft's .NET framework.
We can now offer our customers highly sought after customer relationship enhancing tools, all on the latest technology platform from Microsoft, " Jacob added.
, Distributors have found that remote order management tools like AFS WEB increase customer satisfaction while increasing sales, margins and reducing costs and have been well received by both their commercial and non-commercial customers.
Customers using web order management software like the convenience, accuracy and ability to enter orders themselves, 24 X 7 from any location with internet access.
AFS WEB is tightly integrated with the different ERP applications AFS offers and an API is also available to interface to other back end systems.
AFS WEB is one of three remote order management solutions AFS Technologies offers including AFS MOBILE Sales for laptop or handheld PCs and AFS MOBILE Delivery, used in Driver Delivery, Route Accounting/Sales or Direct Store Delivery (DSD) applications.
For more information, please contact AFS Technologies, Incorporated via email at info@afsi.com, by phone at (602) 522-8282 or visit us on the web at www.afsi.com , Media Contact: , AFS Technologies, Incorporated , Mark Skoog , Vice President, Marketing , (602) 443-4241 , mskoog@afsi.com , ### ,.
PHOENIX - October 30, 2006 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (“AFS " ), the leading provider of fully integrated software solutions to the food and beverage industry today announced the addition of Gary Thorholm, formerly of Aspen Systems, Incorporated , as Vice President Sales, Western Region and Thomas Connally, formerly of Tibersoft, as Vice President Sales, Eastern Region.
, Gary Thorholm joins AFS Technolgies from Aspen Systems, Incorporated where he handled west coast sales for the developer of ERP and production management software.
Prior to Aspen, Thorholm held sales management and technical pre-sales roles at WMS and ERP providers including Scala North America (merged with Epicor in 2003).
Mr Thorholm is a CPA by training with extensive experience at KPMG Peat Marwick.
He will work from the Phoenix headquarters office.
, Thomas Connally comes to AFS from Tibersoft Corporation, a supply chain management and business intelligence software solutions provider, where he held the position of VP Foodservice Sales.
Prior to being promoted he held the position of Director of Application Consulting, and Regional Sales Manager.
Prior to that Mr Connally was the Director of Information Services for Springfield Foodservice and the MIS Director and a Sales Manager for United Foodservice.
He will work from the company's Connecticut office.
, “Both Connally and Thorholm bring to AFS extensive knowledge of ERP, warehouse management and supply chain automation solutions, specifically as it relates to food processing and distribution, " said Kurien Jacob, Chief Executive Officer.
“We welcome these two highly successful food industry sales executives to the AFS team.
Add-On Financial Reporting Application to Provide Upgrade to Existing , Food and Beverage Industry ERP Systems , PHOENIX - July 24, 2006 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (“AFS " ), the leading provider of fully integrated software solutions to the food and beverage industry, today announced the immediate availability of a new product, AFS Financial Reporting.
The application offers sophisticated financial reporting features and is available for sale to provide a quick upgrade to many old distribution and financial systems burdened with weak financial reporting.
, “The new AFS Financial Reporting application demonstrates our commitment to both a seamless, cost-effective migration path for our customers, and the latest technology offered by a Service Oriented Architecture, " said Kurien Jacob, Chief Executive Officer of AFS Technologies.
“As previously announced, customers on the Advanced Foodsystems ERP maintenance plan, as of March 31, 2006, can receive the new AFS Financial Reporting application as part of their annual maintenance agreement, " he added.
, The application has been designed with a Microsoft Windows-style appearance providing an appealing, easy-to-use Graphical User Interface (GUI) much like that of typical Microsoft Office applications.
For more information, please contact AFS Technologies, Incorporated via email at info@afsi.com, by phone at (602) 522-8282 or visit us on the web at www.afsi.com , ### ,.
Release Continues Product Evolution to a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) Based on Web Services and Built on the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Microsoft , PHOENIX - July 17, 2006 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (“AFS " ), the leading provider of fully integrated software solutions to the food and beverage industry, today announced the availability of the FoodDistribute 5.0 release 123 - available free to existing customers under maintenance.
FoodDistribute release 123 marks the fourth consecutive July release of enhancements to this workhorse ERP product used by thousands of people to sell and distribute millions of dollars of goods each day.
The release is a continuation of FoodDistribute's evolution begun in 2003 with Release 120.
Release 123 offers functionality improvements across multiple modules including General Ledger, Accounts Receivable, Inventory Control, Deals, Utilities and Event Notification.
, Most significantly, Release 123 includes an interface code file creating an interface for consolidated journal entries between FoodDistribute and the recently announced .NET AFS Financial Reporting application.
When this function is activated, and the .NET AFS Financial Reporting application is present, a text file is created for each journal entry ID when journals are posted in FoodDistribute, demonstrating the ease and cost effectiveness of the migration strategy.
The .NET AFS Financial Reporting application is available free to customers on AFS maintenance as of March 31, 2006.
, Customers are encouraged to learn how their company can benefit from this new release and how to request an upgrade quotation by attending one of two webinars delivered by Lisa Whinnie, Senior Vice President, Customer Relations on Tuesday, August 1st at 11:00 AM EDT OR Thursday, August 3rd at 4:00 PM EDT.
Please send an email to info@afsi.com indicating which session you'd like to join.
Instructions will be emailed back describing how to participate.
, About AFS Technologies, Incorporated , AFSTechnologies, Incorporated is the leading provider of fully-integrated, end-to-end business software solutions engineered exclusively for the food and beverage industries.
PHOENIX, AZ - Thursday, April 27, 2006 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated , (“AFS " ), the leading provider of fully integrated software solutions to the food and beverage industry, announced today the availability of a new suite of products using a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based on Web Services, and built on the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0.
AFS believes it is one of the first companies in the US to release a suite of products using this leading edge technology which is now the foundation for all of AFS products.
, The new products available to the market now include: , General Ledger/Financial Statements - This package is compatible with most existing ERP systems, and would provide a quick upgrade to many old systems burdened with weak financial reporting.
, Warehouse Management System (WMS) - This standalone product is designed to fit the specific needs of the food industry and can easily be interfaced with most ERP systems, and , Mobile Solutions including: Laptop Sales Management, Direct Store Delivery, Driver Delivery with Signature Capture, Order Entry on PDA using Windows CE or Pocket PC, and Web Based Order Entry.
, AFS ERP - AFS' current windows-based ERP Product will also evolve into this new platform.
, AFS' new SOA architecture provides customers with greater IT flexibility, increased scalability of their existing systems, and more powerful functionality, all at an affordable price.
, “I am pleased to announce that customers on AFS maintenance, as of March 31, 2006, can receive the new General Ledger/Financial Statement module as part of their Annual Maintenance Agreement with AFS.
These new product releases demonstrate AFS's commitment to provide our existing customers with backwards compatibility, in order to protect their existing investment in hardware and software, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS's Chief Executive Officer.
“New customers will also appreciate and benefit from our new framework and database independent design, which has improved scalability and easier deployment, enabled by our new multi-tier architecture " , added Mr Jacob.
, The Microsoft .NET framework is a component of the Windows operating system that manages the execution of programs written specifically for the framework.
, The framework was also specifically designed with vastly improved security and the ability to effectively support wireless applications run on handheld devices.
The AFS ERP product suite is designed to work in a Windows or UNIX environment and can use SQL, Oracle, DB2 or other industry standard databases.
, “I was excited and very impressed with the functionality and flexibility demonstrated by these new tools, as it will make it easier for clients like us, who are on a legacy, character-based system, to move to the .NET architecture, without having to purchase an entire new system.
AFS's technology strategy offers great value and flexibility to clients like us, " said Vince Cigliano, an owner of Santa Monica Seafood Company, and the new President of AFS's Customer Advisory Board.
, Supporting .NET allows for the adoption of a multi-tiered, service oriented architecture or SOA, which is conducive to delivering Web Services using loosely coupled applications over the internet between trading partners.
Advantages of using Service Oriented Architecture include reduced integration expense, increased asset reuse, and shorter development periods, enabling quicker time to market.
, “We decided to standardize our product suite around Microsoft's .NET framework when the industry's, and our own analysis, indicated that .NET would deliver our customers an optimal total cost of ownership, in terms of hardware, software and ongoing support, lower business transaction processing costs and better application performance, " said Suhas Gudihal, AFS Chief Technology Officer.
“This coupled with the fact that the .NET framework allows us to develop higher quality software, much faster and at a lower cost than before, really highlights the wisdom of our decision.
Our existing customers are already enjoying the benefits of this new technology direction.
" , About AFS Technologies, Incorporated , AFSTechnologies, Incorporated is the leading provider of fully-integrated, end-to-end business software solutions engineered exclusively for the food and beverage industries.
For more information, please contact AFS Technologies, Incorporated via email at info@afsi.com, by phone at (602) 522-8282 or visit us on the web at www.afsi.com ,.
AFS Technologies, Incorporated Completes the Acquisition of Distribution Management Systems, Incorporated AFS Closes a $5.0 Million Financing with Merion Investment Partners, L.P.
, PHOENIX, AZ - April 3, 2006 - AFS Technologies, Incorporated (“AFS " ), a leading provider of software solutions to the food industry, announced today that it had completed the acquisition of Distribution Management Systems, Incorporated (“DMS " ), a Milford, CT-based provider of software solutions to the food and beverage industries, for cash and stock.
With the acquisition, AFS now serves over 230 customers, will employ over 100 professionals, and will be headquartered in Phoenix, with an east coast office in Milford, CT and a development facility in Bangalore, India.
, AFS also announced today that it had closed a $5.0 million financing, comprised of mezzanine and equity capital, provided by Merion Investment Partners, L.P., a King of Prussia, PA-based mezzanine capital firm.
A portion of the proceeds was used to facilitate the acquisition of DMS, and the remaining will be used for working capital purposes and possible further acquisitions.
The Argentum Group (“Argentum " ), a New York-based private equity firm, and AFS's majority shareholder, played an integral role in facilitating these transactions.
, “I am very pleased with the acquisition of DMS as both companies complement each other well, in that AFS brings a substantial capital investment in the development of its .NET framework and DMS's management brings deep domain expertise in market segments that are new to AFS.
Thus, DMS's customers will be offered broader product offerings on a leading edge technology platform, and more process oriented product development and customer support, ensuring high quality deployments, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS's CEO.
“AFS now offers to the food and beverage industries the only solution that provides a complete suite of fully integrated software applications, utilizing a database independent design and a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), " Jacob added.
, “Merion is excited to have the opportunity to support the growth of AFS, " said William Means, Managing Partner, Merion Investment Partners, L.P.
" , “Our vision is to build a company that will become the premier software solutions provider to the food and beverage industries, and the acquisition of DMS clearly provides the scale needed, and will position AFS firmly on that path, " said Walter Barandiaran, Chairman of AFS and a Managing Partner of Argentum.
, About AFS Technologies, Incorporated , AFS Technologies, Incorporated is a leading provider of fully-integrated, end-to-end business software solutions engineered exclusively for the food and beverage industries The company serves over 230 customers across North America and the Caribbean with innovative, comprehensive and user-friendly solutions designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency, streamline internal processes and assist in regulatory compliances.
For more information, please contact AFS Technologies via email at info@afsi.com, by phone at (602) 522-8282 or visit us on the web at www.afsi.com , About Merion Investment Partners, L.P.
Argentum targets those industries experiencing rapid growth or undergoing fundamental change in the areas of outsourced services, healthcare, and technology.
Since its founding in 1988, Argentum has invested in over 100 companies across a broad range of industries.
For more information, please visit: www.argentumgroup.com , , Media Contact: , AFS Technologies, Incorporated , Kurien Jacob , Chief Executive Officer , (602) 443-4222 , kjacob@afsi.com , AFS Technologies, Incorporated , Joseph Greene , President , (203) 874-6019 , joe.greene@dmsinconline.com , The Argentum Group , Walter H Barandiaran , Managing Partner , (212) 949-6262 , walter@argentumgroup.com , Merion Investment Partners, L.P.
, William M Means , Managing Partner , (610) 992-5881 , info@merionpartners.com , ### ,.
PHOENIX - March 22, 2006 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end software solutions for the food and beverage industry today announced a new partnership with Nashville, Tennessee-based Optimum Solutions, Incorporated , a leading provider of payroll, human resources, and time and attendance solutions.
The partnership involves the company's Human Resources Information System (HRIS) system named Optimum Suite, which provides payroll processing and applicant and employee information management, as well as training and benefits administration - all at an affordable price.
Companies purchase in-house solutions for improved control, security and cost savings compared to outsourced processing.
Powerful reporting tools found in the Optimum Suite help companies comply with federal and state laws and plan strategically for their organizations.
, “AFS offers a very broad portfolio of software solutions and this new partnership will in addition allow us to offer our customers an integrated, cost-effective, in-house managed payroll, human resources and time and attendance solution, " said Kurien Jacob, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFS.
“Optimum is 100% focused on HRIS solutions utilizing a staff of highly trained Certified Payroll Professionals.
We think their proven solution will provide an excellent fit for our customers' needs, " Jacob added.
, Designed specifically for the food industry, the AFS solutions portfolio includes critical functionality processors and distributors need to maximize profits including purchasing, pricing, costing and inventorying perishables in temperature controlled warehouses based on multiple weights (catch and/or random weights) and units of measure with lot and code date tracking.
Processors find the software's production and yield reporting capability to be highly valuable while distributors quickly receive a return-on-investment using with the product's automated deal and vendor rebate tracking.
Both processors and distributors have found the net margin and profitability reporting by customer and product, after considering rebate income and activity based costing, to be invaluable.
One up, one down " food safety & traceability reporting based on the Bioterrorism Act of 2002 and Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) based on FDA requirements has been designed into the software to assist in regulatory compliance.
, “Due to our high-quality software and high customer satisfaction, we've been able to sell over 1,700 software licenses and Optimum Payroll is now processing over 10 million paychecks annually at customer sites throughout the United States and Canada, " said Brandon Heep, Director, Partner Relations for Optimum Solutions.
We're excited to be partnering with Advanced Foodsystems, to expand our footprint into the food and beverage industry.
PHOENIX - December 19, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end software solutions for the food industry today announced that it will be hosting its 16th annual Customer Conference on April 7th through 9th, 2006 at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa in Phoenix.
The conference's theme will be “Unleashing Enterprise Performance " and will focus on ways that AFS customers can use the real-time information provided by their integrated AFS enterprise software solutions to improve business efficiency and managerial control while strengthening customer relationships, increasing sales, improving employee productivity, reducing operating expenses, and streamlining regulatory compliance.
, The content presented will be organized along four separate tracks of topics, each specifically geared towards the interests and needs of executives with functional responsibility for sales, operations, finance, and IT.
The speakers will emphasize ways food businesses can profit and gain competitive advantage from unleashing the capabilities of their AFS software and fully synchronize their entire company's operations for peak performance.
, The following industry experts will speak on the following topics: , Critical Issues Facing Foodservice and Wholesale Grocery Distributors in Today's Marketplace , Mr Robert S Goldin , Executive Vice President , Technomic, Incorporated , How New Technology and Practices Combine to Optimize the Value of Trade Promotion Spending , Mr Robert Hand , Chief Executive Officer , Hand Promotion Management , From Pitchfork to Table Fork, A Look at How Food Marketing Channels are Changing , Dr Raymond Marquardt, Dean, Morrison School of Agribusiness & Resource Management , Arizona State University , Bioterrorism Act Record Keeping Compliance Requirements for the Food Industry , Ms Deborah R White , Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Regulatory Affairs , Food Marketing Institute , “We are very excited to be hosting our 16th annual customer conference and providing the quality content that our customers' senior executives in general management, operations, sales, finance, and IT will really appreciate and value, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS President and Chief Executive Officer.
“That, combined with customer success stories, software demonstrations, product roadmaps and partner updates will provide the learning and networking opportunities our customers have suggested to us to ensure another successful event.
, Media Contact: , Advanced Foodsystems , Mark Skoog , (602) 443-4241 , mskoog@afsi.com.
Lomar Distributing Incorporated , a Subsidiary of Hy-Vee, Incorporated to Implement , Vocollect Voice Picking System Integrated with Existing AFS Software , PHOENIX - December 19, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, enterprise software solutions for the food industry today announced that Des Moines, Iowa-based Lomar Distributing Incorporated , a subsidiary of Hy-Vee, Incorporated , one of the largest privately owned US supermarket chains, has signed a contract with AFS to implement a voice picking warehouse system from Vocollect, Incorporated Building on the strengths of the AFS and Vocollect business partnership, the voice picking system will be directly integrated with Lomar Distributing's existing AFS provided ERP system and AFS provided wireless bar code scanning warehouse management system (WMS) to create a synchronized distribution and financial solution delivering accurate, real-time information.
, “We are excited to begin the implementation of the AFS-Vocollect integrated voice picking solution.
We have seen the positive results of voice picking in other Hy-Vee facilities and look forward to obtaining the same results, " said Karen Boriskey, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Lomar Distributing, Incorporated , Designed specifically for the food industry, the AFS solutions portfolio includes critical functionality distributors need to maximize profits including purchasing, pricing, costing and inventorying perishables in temperature controlled warehouses based on multiple weights (catch and/or random weights) and units of measure with lot and code date tracking.
Distributors quickly receive a return-on- investment using the product's automated deal and vendor rebate tracking.
, “Voice-directed work solutions have been shown at food distributors around the country to increase fulfillment accuracy, boost productivity, slash training time and cut operating costs, " said Kurien Jacob, President and Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Foodsystems.
“Our partnership with Vocollect allows AFS to deliver synchronized ERP, RF scanning and voice directed systems to offer progressive distributors the best of each solution, all in one tried and tested package.
This is the first of what we anticipate will be many opportunities to demonstrate our integrated solution and the strength of our partnership with Vocollect.
Wythe Will Distributing Company to Reduce Operating Costs by Eliminating the Use of Expensive Value Added Networks (VANs) , PHOENIX - December 16, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, enterprise software solutions for the food industry today announced that Virginia-based Wythe Will Distributing Company , a wholesale distributor of candy and gourmet foods in the mid-Atlantic region, has signed a contract to purchase AS2 EDI-INT (EDI over the Internet) functionality.
This is the first sale of the product announced in June of this year.
Supported by Walmart and over 100 major retailers and grocers, AS2 enables fast, secure and reliable EDI transactions over the Internet, thereby eliminating the need to use expensive, proprietary Value Added Networks (VANs) to complete business transactions.
Although invisible to the consumer, standards for secure electronic communication of purchase orders, invoices, and other business transactions are helping enterprises drive down costs and offer flexibility in B2B relationships.
By reducing operating costs for electronic trading, AS2 also empowers smaller companies that could not afford VANs to participate in EDI transactions.
, " Our larger trading partners have been migrating to the AS2 standard to deliver EDI functionality over the internet for some time, " said Rod Hogan, Wythe Will Distributing's Chief Financial Officer.
" They have been enjoying comparable performance yet were able to reduce operating expenses by eliminating the use of expensive value-added-networks (VANs).
We reviewed many products, and determined that AFS offered the best solution for our company.
" , The solution is made possible by a partnership between AFS and Boomi Incorporated of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
Using the Boomi AS2 Transport Module, customers gain near-instantaneous, secure data transfers and interoperability in their network.
The Boomi AS2 Transport Module integrates seamlessly into EDI systems, AS2 and telecommunication switching environments, and operates independently of the content of EDI (X12 or EDIFACT) documents or what may be produced from EDI translation software.
AFS has built a customized mapping solution using the AS2 standard for both its ERP products making it easy for trading partners to have a digital dialogue regardless of differing data formats or standards ensuring quick, efficient and safe exchange of protected documents over the Internet.
, “Our partnership with Boomi Incorporated allows us to offer standards-based, integrated solutions to our customers that provide fast, secure and reliable EDI transactions over the Internet, " said Kurien Jacob, President and Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Foodsystems.
These solutions help drive down the operating costs of electronic trading and illustrate our commitment to delivering electronic commerce solutions that increase the competitiveness and profitability of the customers we serve.
PHOENIX - December 2, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end software solutions for the food industry today announced that D & B Grocers of Livonia, Michigan has signed a contract to purchase a new financial and distribution software solution to streamline the operations of its growing business.
The solution is expected to help D & B Grocers improve customer service, increase employee productivity, reduce operating expenses, and improve overall business efficiency using the accurate, integrated information that the system will provide.
The company currently serves over 150 independent grocery retail establishments in the greater metro Detroit area.
, “D & B Grocers has been in business for over 11 years and we simply out grew our current software, " said owner Robert Hesano.
“We decided to upgrade our capabilities to AFS and purchase a system that would support our growth.
The fully integrated nature of the financial and distribution functions of the software perfectly fits our needs and will allow us to replace the manual processes used today to gain operational efficiencies, maintain highly competitive pricing, and improve customer service in our expanding business.
" , Designed specifically for the food industry, the AFS solutions portfolio includes critical functionality distributors need to optimize business functions including purchasing, pricing, costing and inventorying perishables in temperature controlled warehouses based on multiple weights (catch and/or random weights) and units of measure with lot and code date tracking.
Flexible reporting by customer and product is inherent within the software.
, “AFS is pleased to welcome D & B Grocers to our family of satisfied customers.
D & B Grocers is a prime example of the type and size of growing company that needs the sophistication that our software offers to enable them to profitably manage a growing business.
We look forward to a long relationship of helping the company improve operations using software as their competitive tool of choice, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS President and Chief Executive Officer.
Release 8.0 Demonstrates Continued Investment in Product Development and Product Functionality Improvement For Food Industry Customers , PHOENIX - September 23, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end software solutions for the food industry today announced the immediate availability of the latest release of its flagship Enterprise Resource Planning product AFS ERP.
Release 8.0 marks the seventh release of enhancements made to the core distribution and financial software product which first hit the market in 2001 and is now widely in use at food processors and distributors across North America.
The release is available for free to existing customers under maintenance and this new release will be provided to all new customers purchasing the product.
, “All AFS developed software products in our portfolio are on an annual or semi-annual release schedule so all of our products are continually being improved, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Release 8.0 marks the seventh release of enhancements to our industry-leading, core distribution and financials product since its introduction and demonstrates our company's commitment to offering our customers leading edge products.
" , AFS ERP is a second-generation product that includes deep " best practice " features and functionality gathered from hundreds of customers and validated by thousands of users over the company's 20 year history.
AFS rewrote and enhanced its first generation ERP product FoodDistribute, using the latest design methodologies and development tools to create AFS ERP.
The product is the anchor product of the AFS Advanced Enterprise Solutions Suite and offers fully integrated enterprise-wide functionality spanning accounting, financial reporting, distribution and operations management functions including customer service, order processing, purchasing, receiving, inventory management, product selection, warehouse management, pricing and discounting, deal and vendor rebate tracking, sales management and commissions, delivery, shipping and transportation plus general ledger, AP, AR functionality.
Each system purchase includes flexible, user-configurable reporting tools from Crystal Reports.
In addition, business intelligence software from MITS or Cognos is available for management reporting and trend analysis.
, Other products within the AFS Advanced Enterprise Solutions Suite such as wireless bar code scanning warehouse management systems, EDI, mobile, web and laptop systems, and production management software can be purchased together or individually, at initial system implementation or later as an add-on.
AFS ERP also has integrations to dozens of other systems.
, “AFS ERP is an appealing, easy-to-use Graphical User Interface (GUI) with a WindowsXP look and feel.
The product's operating system, hardware platform and relational database independent design employs a client-server architecture that runs on open system platforms providing excellent price, performance and equipment selection benefits.
Our customers like the fact that they can choose between popular industry standards and vendors to best meet their needs, " Jacob continued.
, Suhas Gudihal, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Advanced Foodsystems added, “AFS ERP operates on Microsoft Windows, UNIX/AIX and LINUX platforms from suppliers like IBM, HP and Dell and is tightly integrated with leading relational database products including Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle.
Using relational databases allows for easier access to the data contained within for improved reporting.
Release 8.0 includes new enhancements such as Messaging Server which allows capture of key events within the AFS ERP application and notifies the appropriate recipients.
This enables a company to proactively monitor certain business critical parameters and take necessary action if required.
Another enhancement is Scheduler Integration.
Integrating the messaging server with the scheduler enables monitoring of events and scheduling of reports to run at specified times.
Customer requested enhancements like these are routinely added to our product and customers have grown to view their investment in AFS software as an appreciating asset that increases in business value over time.
Since 1985, Advanced Foodsystems has , delivered innovative, comprehensive and user-friendly solutions designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency, streamline internal processes and assist in regulatory compliances.
New Fully Featured, Open Architecture Product is Specifically , Designed and Priced for Food Distributors and Processors , PHOENIX - September 23, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end software solutions for the food industry today announced the immediate availability of the its new, second generation wireless bar code scanning warehouse automation solution AFS WMS.
The new packaged solution contains the most popular functionality food distributors and processors require which virtually eliminates the need for customization, drastically reduces implementation time, accelerates time-to-benefit and speeds return on investment when compared to other systems.
The new product uses the Microsoft Windows operating system at the server and desktop level with PocketPC and WinCE supported at the mobile computing device level providing all users with a flexible, configurable, and easy-to-use graphical user interface.
The open architecture employed allows any industry standard RDBMS to be used as the database and the application can operate as a stand alone system or interface in batch or real time to numerous ERP systems using an application programming interface (API).
, “Building on the market knowledge gained from serving the WMS needs of food distributors and processors since 1997 with our first generation product FoodScan, we developed this second generation product to be fully featured, yet adaptable, highly configurable and easy to manage so that changes in business rules, processes or customer requirements can be performed quickly and inexpensively, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS President and Chief Executive Officer.
“We also chose a very open architecture to be as compatible as possible with all the major brands of mobile scanning computers, major in-building wireless data communications standards and RF frequencies, popular industry standard bar code formats and label printers, and voice recognition products.
" , Warehouse Management Systems create an electronic, automated warehousing system that replaces paper-based transactions with instant wireless bar code scanning.
The instantaneous nature of this automation provides accurate, real-time inventory valuation with online updating and access to transactions and inventory status for all desired employees.
Typical warehousing activities like receiving, directed put , away and product selection, picking accuracy, staging, and optimal truck loading are all improved as are inventory management activities like cycle counting, replenishment and physical inventory.
Companies using WMS reduce waste, errors, and inventory cost and improve warehouse efficiency and space utilization, improve inventory management and control, increase employee productivity and customer satisfaction.
Return on Investment (ROI) typically occurs within the first year.
, In addition to providing the company developed AFS WMS application software, Advanced Foodsystems offers customers a complete solution of software, hardware, databases and services through well established relationships with partners such as Zebra Technologies and Psion Teklogix, a leading provider of rugged hand-held and vehicle-mount computers and wireless networking technology.
The complete solution provides mission-critical reliability for demanding warehouse and distribution environments, including refrigerated cold storage facilities.
, AFS WMS also complies with US FDA country of origin labeling and BioTerrorism Act “One Up, One Down " traceability and reporting requirements by allowing distributors to control and track their purchases, inventory and shipments by lot and code date plus transfer other pertinent information both into and out of their distribution centers from suppliers one link up the supply chain and to customers one link down the supply chain.
, Jacob concluded, “Our customers have found that a well run, automated warehouse can result in as much as a three percentage point improvement in bottom line profitability and our software is a major contributor to that success as mid-market food distributors are increasingly seeing the value of real-time enterprise information and are aggressively investing in new technology to boost competitiveness.
Medosweet Farms Signs Contract to Purchase State-of-the Art Financial, Distribution, and Delivery Automation Software Solution , PHOENIX - September 1, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end software solutions for the food industry today announced that Medosweet Farms of Kent, Washington has signed a contract to purchase a new financial, distribution and delivery automation software solution to streamline the operations of its growing business.
The solution is expected to help Medosweet Farms improve customer service, increase employee productivity, reduce operating expenses, and improve overall business efficiency using the accurate, integrated information that the system will provide.
The company currently serves over 900 customers in western Washington including restaurants, bakeries, espresso bars, hotels, institutions and food service manufacturing.
, “Medosweet Farms has been in business for over 25 years and we simply out grew our current software, " said Eric Flintoff, Medosweet Farms President.
The fully integrated nature of the financial, distribution, and delivery functions of the software perfectly fits the needs of our business and will allow us to replace the manual processes used today as we improve customer service.
" , Designed specifically for the food industry, the AFS solutions portfolio includes critical functionality distributors need to maximize profits including purchasing, pricing, costing and inventorying perishables in temperature controlled warehouses based on multiple weights (catch and/or random weights) and units of measure with lot and code date tracking.
, Flintoff continued, “Much of our business is sold right from the individual truck and each is considered its own mini-warehouse.
Using handheld computers, the AFS route sale software will allow our drivers to accurately complete each sale at our customers' site including taking the order, delivering the product, generating and printing a correct invoice, obtaining a customer's signature authorization electronically for receipt of goods, tracking the inventory and later feeding the information back into our warehousing and financial system each night.
We anticipate that the new system will allow us to increase our average sale and greatly automate the fulfillment and accounting of that sale thereby reducing our costs.
AFS was willing to partner with us to deliver exactly what we need.
They went the extra mile and won our business.
" , “AFS is pleased to welcome Medosweet Farms to our family of satisfied customers.
The integrated route sales software that we're developing will help the company increase customer satisfaction and sales while stripping out needless costs and increasing margins that fall directly to the bottom line, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS President and Chief Executive Officer.
Psion Teklogix, UPS Logistics Technologies and Management Information Tools, Incorporated to Help Demonstrate the Integrated, End-to-End Business Solution Available Through The Partnership , PHOENIX - August 10, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end software solutions for the food industry today announced that the company in conjunction with partners Psion Teklogix, UPS Logistics Technologies and Management Information Tools, Incorporated will deliver a four part webinar series throughout the autumn of 2005 covering the latest advancements in food industry distribution technology.
The series will specifically demonstrate how the combined solution available through the partnership can help large and medium-sized wholesale grocery, foodservice, meat, poultry, seafood, produce and refrigerated and frozen food distributors increase sales and margins, reduce operating expenses, improve employee productivity, streamline regulatory compliance and improve overall business efficiency and managerial control using the accurate, real-time information that the solution provides.
Each webinar in the series will focus on a specific functional area or operation within a typical food distributor and explain how the software can be optimally used to meet the needs of the department.
, The first session of the series will be held August 31, 2005 and will provide an overview of the complete solution while focusing on financial reporting, operations management, business intelligence and advanced purchasing analysis.
Specific topics covered will include net margin reporting by customer and product, trend analysis tools, automated vendor rebate tracking, electronic commerce, and food traceability as it relates to the Bioterrorism Act of 2002.
General management, financial and purchasing/supply chain executives will want to attend.
Advanced Foodsystems' ERP software application will be demonstrated along with business intelligence software from Management Information Tools, Incorporated , The second session of the series will be held September 20, 2005 and will emphasize inbound logistics and receiving including wireless bar code scanning, lot and code date controls, inventory and warehouse management(cycle counting, replenishment, physical inventory), and discuss the overall operational efficiencies gained by automating warehouse operations and providing real-time inventory accuracy.
General management, operations and warehouse management executives will be interested in this material.
, Advanced Foodsystems' warehouse management software application will be demonstrated using several models of handheld and forklift mounted wireless bar code scanning terminals from Psion Teklogix including those used in refrigerated and frozen cold storage facilities.
, The third session will be held October 13, 2005 and will concentrate on order fulfillment and outbound logistics including product selection, picking accuracy, staging, optimal truck loading and routing efficiency plus delivery automation.
The targeted audience is senior operations and warehouse, shipping and transportation management.
Advanced Foodsystems' warehouse management and driver delivery software applications will be demonstrated using several models of ruggedized handheld data terminals from Psion Teklogix optimized for harsh delivery environments.
Variable routing software from UPS Logistics Technologies will also be featured.
, On November 15, 2005 the fourth and final webinar will cover order creation and management, customer self-service, and mobile sales force efficiency tools.
Order creation and management via laptop or handheld computer and customer self-service order management over the internet will be highlighted.
Flexible customer pricing and discounting rules, commissions tracking and sales analysis reporting will be covered.
Advanced Foodsystems' ERP as well as laptop and handheld (PDA) and internet based order management software applications will be demonstrated along with business intelligence software from Management Information Tools, Incorporated The targeted audience is senior sales and customer service management and senior general management.
, All executives engaged in the food distribution and affiliated industries are invited to participate.
Additional information about the series and online registration can be found at http://www.afsi.com/news/events.asp.
Current and Prospective Customers Can Purchase Compliant AFS Products Confident in the Knowledge That Their Critical Regulatory Requirements are Met , PHOENIX - August 10, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end software solutions for the food industry today announced that its portfolio of ERP and warehouse management software products comply with US FDA country of origin labeling and BioTerrorism Act “One Up, One Down " traceability and reporting requirements.
Working in conjunction with its customer base and User Group to develop the functionality, AFS products allow distributors to control and track their purchases, inventory and shipments by lot and code date plus transfer other pertinent information both into and out of their distribution centers from suppliers one link up the supply chain and to customers one link down the supply chain.
, “Current and near-term FDA regulations require more data to be captured, recorded, tracked and reproduced than ever before, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Only the smallest companies with low dollar volumes and product movement can track and produce the information required to comply in a timely manner manually, without computerization.
We have been working actively with customers individually dating back to last winter to help them meet their reporting requirements, particularly regarding labeling for fish and seafood.
This knowledge has been transferred into our product designs to allow all customers to confidently meet current and future requirements.
" , Beginning April 4, 2005 tracking, reporting and labeling the Country of Origin (COOL) and method of production (wild or farm raised) of fish and shellfish products has been required by retailers to meet USFDA requirements.
The product sold to the consumer either needs to be labeled or be able to be tracked by lot number or other unique identifier.
This responsibility frequently falls on the shoulders of processors or distributors.
This capability has been designed into the portfolio of AFS ERP and warehouse management products to provide full compliance today.
Mandatory labeling of beef, lamb and pork will begin in September of 2006.
, Companies that manufacture, process, pack, transport, distribute, receive, hold, or import food for sale at retail will be required to identify the immediate previous source of all food received and the immediate subsequent recipient of all food released (“one up, one down " traceability & reporting) as part of section 306 of the Bioterrorism Act of 2002.
This law goes into effect as early as December 6, 2005 for companies with 500 or more employees and May 6, 2006 for companies with 11-499 employees.
Up to two years worth of very detailed information must be presentable to regulators within 24 hours of the request to allow the FDA to rapidly trace forward and remove questionable food products from the supply chain.
, “The cost and risk of regulatory non-compliance is simply too high to ignore and may include recalls, unsellable products, plant shutdowns, lost production, additional inspections, fines and court costs, and unfavorable PR, " Jacob added.
“The good news is that by expanding automation within their operations, distributors can capture and reproduce accurate information required for compliance and provide real-time information for better business management, control and reporting.
Ultimately, this will improve profitability through increased sales and customer satisfaction with improved plant floor operations, warehouse operations, and employee efficiency.
Growing Mid-Atlantic Broadline Food Distributor Purchases State-of-the Art Financial, Distribution, Warehousing, Sales Force and Delivery Automation Software , PHOENIX - July 15, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end software solutions for the food industry today announced that Saval Foodservice of Elkridge, MD has signed a contract to purchase new financial, distribution, warehousing, sales force and delivery automation software to support its rapidly growing business.
The solution is expected to help Saval Foodservice improve customer service and employee productivity, reduce operating expenses, streamline regulatory compliance and improve overall business efficiency and managerial control using the accurate, real-time information that the system will provide.
, “Our vision is to become the dominant independent broadline foodservice distributor in the Mid-Atlantic and our actions support that vision, " said Paul L Saval, President.
“We have historically been strong in the lunch, breakfast, carry out, pizza and Italian segments and we've recently expanded our product offerings to provide growth within the white tablecloth market.
We're dramatically expanding our warehouse, office space, staffing and information systems to allow us to serve all the supply needs of every segment of the restaurant trade.
, Saval continued, “AFS has served the food industry for twenty years and proved to us that they had the industry experience and the broad, integrated, software products and leading edge technology to best meet our needs.
We were impressed with the depth of food industry specific functionality the system provides and the integrated, automated vendor rebate tracking will really help our bottom line.
We plan to automate as much of our operations as possible using bar code scanning in the warehouse, remote order management on laptops for our DSRs, and hand held mobile computers for our drivers to efficiently drive profitable growth.
" , “Advanced Foodsystems is pleased to welcome this progressive UniPro member to our growing roster of satisfied customers.
Using the real-time information provided by our integrated state-of-the art solution, Saval Foodservice will be able to gain a competitive edge and better serve their customers while improving the efficiency of their expanding operations, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS President and Chief Executive Officer.
Adoption of Popular AS2 Standard Delivers EDI Functionality Over the Internet Allowing Food Industry Supply Chain Participants to Eliminate the Use of Expensive Value Added Networks (VANs) , PHOENIX - June 20, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end software solutions for the food industry today announced the immediate availability of AS2 EDI-INT (EDI over the Internet) functionality.
, AS2 is a widely recognized messaging standard for B2B eCommerce allowing secure electronic data interchange by which applications communicate data over the Internet via HTTP.
AS2 provides additional security protections that enable users to connect, deliver and reply to data securely and reliably, adding flexibility and control on how the data is utilized or reported.
, AFS has built a customized mapping solution using the AS2 standard for both its ERP products making it easy for trading partners to have a digital dialogue regardless of differing data formats or standards.
, Although invisible to the consumer, standards for secure electronic communication of purchase orders, invoices, and other business transactions are helping enterprises drive down costs and offer flexibility in B2B relationships.
, “AS2's adoption in the retail and consumer package-goods industries is now widespread in the US with many supply-chain companies, including Wal-Mart and Target, using it with their hundreds of trading partners, " said Kurien Jacob, President and Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Foodsystems.
“Major retailers have already eliminated thousands of dollars in VAN network charges annually by switching to systems supporting AS2 and their suppliers who are AFS customers can now enjoy the savings too.
With Less Than 90 Days Between Contract Signing and Beneficial Use, The Sausage Factory Quickly Begins Path to Return on Investment in New Software Solution , PHOENIX - June 9, 2005 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated, end-to-end software solutions for the food industry, today announced that Carson City, Nevada-based meat processor, The Sausage Factory, has gone live using new distribution and financial management software provided and installed by Advanced Foodsystems.
The solution is expected to help The Sausage Factory strengthen customer relationships, increase sales, improve employee productivity, reduce operating expenses, streamline regulatory compliance and improve overall business efficiency and managerial control using the accurate, real-time information now available.
, “We wanted to begin taking advantage of all the capabilities our new system offered ASAP, " said Joseph R Tonino, Vice President and General Manager of The Sausage Factory.
“The new system will help us to better track production costs, control inventory, and manage profitability by customer, product line and route.
We also like the fact that the system will help us comply with new USFDA Bioterrorism Act regulations that come into effect next year for tracking manufactured products by lot produced, " Tonino continued.
“Our company produces fresh, cooked, cured and smoked meat products that are sold to supermarkets, retail stores, local restaurants and casinos.
Our customers will require “one up, one down " food traceability and our new, fully integrated system will do that.
This will help us to continue to expand the business at a profitable pace, " he added.
, Advanced Foodsystems employs a well documented, repeatable implementation process, much like that used by the largest systems integrators.
This process has been refined throughout the 200 installations the company has completed over its 20 year history.
The company's fully featured, food industry specific product and years of industry best practices consulting experience, allow AFS to deliver very cost-effective solutions, on-time and on-budget with accelerated time-to-benefit.
This is in contrast to many solution providers whose professional services charges often run four times the price of the software licenses purchased.
, “Food industry customers large and small have found that selecting Advanced Foodsystems as their technology and business partner allows them to concentrate on running their core processing and distribution businesses while leaving the technical challenges to us, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS President and CEO.
“They tell us that our fully integrated solutions and dependable implementations provide a fast time to benefit and lower total cost of ownership than other suppliers serving the food industry, " Jacob concluded.
PHOENIX - September 1, 2004 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), the leading provider of ERP and Warehouse Management Solutions to the food industry, today announced the immediate availability of a new Customer Relationship Management solution, AFS CRM.
The web order management solution allows customers and employees of food distributors to conveniently and accurately enter and manage product orders themselves, 24 X 7, while in the office, on the road or at a customer's location.
The software operates in both online and off-line modes and helps distributors increase customer satisfaction while increasing sales, margins and reducing cost.
, “Our broadline grocery and foodservice distributor customers told us that they wanted a customer relationship management tool for their sales force to enter orders while in or out of the office that also gives their customers self-service order management capability through the web, " said Kurien Jacob, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFS.
“This new tool called AFS CRM does just that.
We really did our homework and built in advanced functionality, enabled by a tight integration with our ERP product, that offers distributor management, their sales force and their end customers' market leading performance, " he added.
, AFS CRM provides end customers with all the key information they need to manage an order on a single page.
A tight integration with AFS ERP allows access to real-time pricing and inventory availability, past order history, buying trends and payment history, which improves order accuracy, prevents ordering out-of-date items and reduces rejected orders.
Customers can order to par, configure their own order guides, derive their own suggested retail price and manage their point-of-sale.
Managers can order across ship-to locations.
To improve user-friendliness, like item substitutes are suggested and complete item details with photographs are available.
Spot promotions and deal items help improve the marketing of specific products and increase margins.
, AFS CRM also is an invaluable sales force automation tool for distribution sales representatives (DSRs) and sales management in the foodservice segment.
Sales reps can enter orders via laptop while out of the office.
They have access to all their customer information and can view price, margin and costing information.
Sales management can oversee DSR activity and extensive management reporting and configuration capability is inherent.
Wireless connectivity to the internet is supported.
PHOENIX - March 25, 2004 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), the leading provider of ERP and Warehouse Management Solutions to the food industry, recently concluded it's highly successful 14th annual User Group conference, themed “Soaring Together " , March 9th at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa south of Phoenix.
The event attracted customers from across North America and drew 15% higher attendance than 2003.
Highlights included presentations from industry experts from trade associations and consulting firms, AFS executives explaining the company's product and service plans for the upcoming year, customer success stories, Customer of the Year awards and selection of a new User Group Executive Committee.
The conference was sponsored by AFS partners PsionTeklogix, Symbol, UPS Logistics Technologies and Vocollect.
, “AFS is very happy to host such a valuable and successful event for our customers, " said Kurien Jacob, AFS President and Chief Executive Officer.
“The combination of new funding, improved customer service, increased product development, significant new partnerships, new senior staff additions, and expanded sales and marketing efforts resulting in new customers, have all been significant company accomplishments over the past 12 months.
It is gratifying to see our customers eagerly acknowledge our progress, " he added.
, AFS Chairman Walter Barandiaran kicked off the event with a talk highlighting the improvements in customer service achieved over the past year and the major investments in new product development made by the company that will result in substantial new product availability beginning Q2 of this year.
Partnerships with UPS Logistics Technologies, Vocollect and JustEnough were also announced.
, Deborah White, Associate General Counsel from the Food Marketing Institute delivered a very insightful speech entitled Country of Origin Labeling and Bioterrorism Act: Impact on the Food Industry and David Krebs, Consulting Director from technology market research and strategy firm Venture Development Corporation, spoke on the impact of emerging technology standards for RFID and UCCnet.
, Customer success stories were presented by representatives from Grace Kennedy & Company Ltd., Morey's Seafood International LLC, J & B GROUP, Michael Foods, Incorporated , Sheetz Incorporated , and Richmond Master Distributors, Incorporated Customer of the Year awards were presented to representatives from Santa Monica Seafood Company, Incorporated , Deli Management Incorporated , and J & B GROUP.
, “We expanded our User Group Executive Committee and added knowledgeable, senior managers from throughout the AFS user community, " said Julie Harnish, User Group President.
“I look forward to working closely with my new colleagues and partnering with AFS management to achieve our collective goals, " she concluded.
, The 2004-2005 User Group Executive Committee will include the following leaders: , Julie Harnish, Director of Information Technology, Richmond Master Distributors, Incorporated , Larry Candee, Chief Operating Officer, Harry Wils & Company Incorporated , Ed Wahlenmaier, Purchasing & Inventory Manager, Deli Management Incorporated , George Parisi, Chief Financial Officer, Mike Hudson Distributing , Kurt Anderson, Vice President, Information Technology, J & B Group , Randy Braverman, Chief Operating Officer, Hawkeye Foodservice Distribution Incorporated , Vince Cigliano, Information Technology Manager, Santa Monica Seafood Company Incorporated , Next year's annual conference will be held March 19th - 22nd, 2005 again at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa.
, About Advanced Foodsystems , Since 1985, Phoenix-based Advanced Foodsystems has been a leading provider of fully integrated ERP software solutions to the food processing and distribution industries.
Combined Contracts Valued in Excess of One Million Dollars Across All Product Lines , , PHOENIX - February 11, 2004 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ) announced today that five new customers from the food distribution and food processing industries have signed contracts to purchase it's market leading ERP software and Warehouse Management Solutions and replace other software vendors' products currently in use.
The signings represent the company's single largest sales month in over two years.
, “We are pleased to welcome five new customers to the AFS family, " said Pamela Brunke, Vice President, Sales and company co-founder.
“These new orders indicate that when knowledgeable people search the market for food industry specific software to improve their operational efficiency and bottom-line profitability, they increasingly choose solutions from AFS, " added Kurien Jacob, AFS President and Chief Executive Officer.
, The new customers come from a variety of market segments and regions: , + A major midwestern supplier of premium fresh and frozen seafood products to restaurants, wholesalers and grocery stores, purchased a Velocity ERP system, + The premier distributor of natural and organic products in seven western states and over the internet, purchased a Velocity ERP system, + A large produce distributor serving fast food restaurants, major grocery store chains, outlet stores, and independent grocers in Puerto Rico.
120 employees plan to use the new Velocity ERP system, + A northeast regional wholesaler and retailer of Italian specialty food products, purchased a Velocity ERP system and , + An Alaskan retail and wholesale distributor of restaurant supplies purchased a new FoodDistribute ERP system.
, “Our customer today uses an inventory management system that is inadequate for their business and provides very limited planning capability, " said Abou Sow, Principal Consultant for Keane Incorporated , a leading business consulting firm.
“They wanted and needed a state-of-the-art, fully integrated financial reporting and supply chain management software solutions suite, specifically designed for the food industry.
That is why we recommended and they selected AFS, " he added.
, “We take selecting a new ERP software vendor very seriously, " said Reggie Smith, General Manager of Tucson Cooperative Warehouse.
“My team evaluated the top five software companies in our industry and we chose AFS.
We are very confident that AFS offers the best overall solution to meet our needs and will help us improve our operational efficiency to better serve our customers, " she added.
AFS to Resell Market Leading Products from Symbol Technologies, Incorporated AFS Joins Symbol PartnerSelect Program as an Authorized Reseller , PHOENIX - December 15, 2003 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of ERP software and Warehouse Management Solutions to the food industry, announced today that it has entered into an Authorized Reseller Agreement with Symbol Technologies, Incorporated , a global leader in secure mobile information systems that integrate application-specific handheld computers with wireless networks for data, voice and bar code data capture.
Symbol Technologies, Incorporated equipment and services can now be offered for sale by AFS as part of its complete wireless bar code scanning Warehouse Management Solution that includes software, hand-held and vehicle mounted bar code scanning computers, wireless network equipment and professional services.
, “Symbol Technologies, Incorporated is the recognized leader in application-specific handheld computers in terms of market share, " said Kurien Jacob, President and CEO of Advanced Foodsystems.
“To complement our software, we offer customers a very wide selection of hardware from leading manufacturers like PsionTeklogix, Intermec, and now Symbol.
Becoming an Authorized Resller of Symbol equipment allows us to offer customers many popular choices as part of a complete Warehouse Management Solution (WMS), " he continued.
Employees and managers can update and access inventory status and transaction data in real time.
Company Poised for Growth as Demand for its Software Solutions Increases , , PHOENIX - November 5, 2003 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of ERP software solutions to the food industry, announced today the completion of a $2.6 million financing round in the form of Series E convertible preferred stock.
The funds were provided by existing institutional investors - Argentum Capital Partners II, L.P.
and LibertyView Equity Partners, and members of AFS's top management team.
The cash infusion provides funds for continued product development and expansion of the company's sales and marketing efforts.
, Walter Barandiaran, AFS's Chairman and a Managing Partner of The Argentum Group, said, “The changes that were implemented last spring have begun to pay huge dividends to the benefit of AFS's existing customers.
The market for AFS's software solutions is estimated at over 30,000 potential customers in North America alone and this new financing will enable AFS to aggressively pursue increasing it's market share.
We are committed to, and will continue to support the company financially, towards AFS becoming the dominant ERP software provider to the food processing and distribution industry.
" , “With the improvement in the macroeconomic environment and demand for the company's products and services clearly increasing, now is an appropriate time to again demonstrate our support and financial commitment to AFS, its loyal customers, its management team and its opportunities for future growth, " said Scott Flamm, President and General Partner of LibertyView Equity Partners, L.P.
, In April 2003, Chairman Walter Barandiaran began strengthening the company's management team.
Kurien Jacob joined as CEO and subsequently, the company added key talent in the areas of finance, marketing and sales to complement the veteran staff of industry experts already in place.
Improved customer service, new product releases, and new customer additions have been the result.
, “Regulatory requirements for recalls, date tracking, and the EDI interfaces being demanded by large buyers, should increase the demand for ERP solutions and AFS is well positioned with Velocity, the most up-to-date ERP product in the industry, " said AFS Director Leo Dembinski.
, , About Advanced Foodsystems , For over eighteen years, Phoenix-based Advanced Foodsystems has been a leading provider of fully integrated ERP software solutions to the food processing and distribution industries.
AFS tailors fully featured food industry specific software applications to exactly meet the needs of customers to dramatically improve their operational efficiency and bottom-line profitability.
, Media Contact: , Mark Skoog , (602) 443-4241 , mskoog@afsi.com , ### ,.
V-Process Helps Food Manufacturers and Processors Better Control Costs and Optimize Production Efficiency , PHOENIX - October 22, 2003 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated ERP software solutions to the food processing and distribution industries, today announced the availability of a new production management software product named VProcess.
The product, which works in tandem with the company's flagship ERP product Velocity, helps food manufacturers and processors track and control true production costs, finished goods yield and variance to standards.
, With full process definitions and tracking, V-Process controls production at each stage and offers the flexibility to modify formulas to accommodate value-added processing.
The product provides the tools and information to optimize packaging, ingredients planning and purchase quantities plus schedule production and allocate inventory to meet forecasted demand.
Scale interfaces for automated production entry are also available.
, “V-Process is the result of a tight design collaboration using input from several of our largest, most sophisticated processing customers, " said Kurien Jacob, President and CEO of Advanced Foodsystems.
“I'm happy to announce it's immediate availability for sale after an extensive, successful in-field implementation at the largest producer of portion control steaks in the country, " Jacob added.
Solutions available include ERP/Business Management, Warehouse Automation, Business Intelligence, Sales Force Automation and eBusiness/eCommerce.
, Media Contact: , Mark Skoog , (602) 443-4241 , mskoog@afsi.com.
PHOENIX - August 19, 2003 - Advanced Foodsystems (“AFS " ), a leading provider of fully integrated ERP software solutions to the food processing and distribution industries, today announced the availability of a new managed service offering featuring its FoodDistribute business management software.
AFS also announced the signing of its first two customers utilizing the service, Parson Food Sales of Evansville, IN and Valencia Meat and Produce of Phoenix, AZ.
, With this service, business management application, database, and corresponding computer network system operation is outsourced to AFS allowing customers to concentrate on running their business.
“We've never really been able to operate or afford a system with this many food industry specific features, " said Juan Valencia, owner of Valencia Meat and Produce.
“With a managed services plan, my company can have all the advantages of using this very valuable business tool without the hassles and the expense of owning and operating it ourselves.
" , AFS Managed Services are delivered using an Application Service Provider (ASP) service model offering a very affordable monthly fee structure.
Customers find the managed service attractive for many reasons including guaranteed service levels and system uptime, cost savings, ease of budgeting and peace of mind.
“ The Managed Service includes server hardware use, software use, network operation and monitoring, data backups and storage, password and security management and overall system maintenance -- with guaranteed reliability, " said Tracy Parsons, Treasurer of Parson Food Sales.
She added, “I save money by not having to hire an IT expert and my monthly payments are less than if I bought the system myself.
It's a perfect solution for my business.
" , “Many small and mid-sized companies who do not wish to burden themselves with the problems or expenses of running their own IT system are finding our Managed Services offering to be a very attractive alternative, " said Kurien Jacob, President and CEO of Advanced Foodsystems.
“Given the tremendous market interest that we've seen to date, we're very optimistic that the unique advantages of our Managed Services offering will make it the solution of choice for many food distributors and processors across North America, " he concluded.
Advanced Foodsystems Strengthens Leadership , ADVANCED FOODSYSTEMS Announces Experienced Executive Kurien Jacob Named CEO , , PHOENIX - April 10, 2003 - ADVANCED FOODSYSTEMS ( " AFS " ), a leading provider of ERP software solutions to the food industry, today named Mr Kurien Jacob President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Mr Jacob will oversee all sales, service and product development functions and has overall financial and operational responsibility for the company.
, " We are pleased to have an executive with such an established track record of success as Kurien Jacob join AFS, " said Walter Barandiaran, Chairman of AFS.
" He has a history of profitably establishing top-line growth at technology companies, and under his leadership I am confident AFS will achieve similar results.
" Barandiaran added, " Our two flagship products FoodDISTRIBUTE and Velocity offer industry-leading functionality and with improved focus, resources and dedication to customer service, I am confident AFS can become the premier provider of software solutions to the food processing and distribution industry.
" , Jacob said, " My goal is to continue to enhance our FoodDISTRIBUTE product so that our many customers can continue to extend their investment in a proven winner for years to come.
He continued, " At the same time, we'll renew our focus on making our newest state-of-the-art product, Velocity, the best price/performance combination in the industry.
Velocity, which features a user-friendly GUI (graphical user interface) teamed with market leading products from Microsoft and Oracle, will become the product of choice for high transaction volume customers requiring the best in performance.
I am particularly excited about the prospects for our wireless barcode scanning solutions for optimized warehouse management and new mobile wireless sales and customer service solutions.
Our customers who use these systems swear by them and market penetration can be substantially improved.
" , , About ADVANCED FOODSYSTEMS , For over eighteen years, Phoenix-based ADVANCED FOODSYSTEMS has been a leading provider of integrated software solutions to the food distribution industry.
The company's many customers include grocery wholesalers, food servicers, food processors, and convenience store distributors.
Solutions available include ERP/Business Management, Warehouse Automation, Inventory Demand Planning, Supply Chain Optimization, Business Intelligence, Sales Force Automation and eBusiness/eCommerce.
For more information, contact AFS via email at sales@afsi.com by phone at (602) 522-8282 or visit us on the web at www.afsi.com , ,.
OVERVIEW.
AGENDA.
REGISTER.
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Join us for AFS Technologies' 2009 Industry Conference & User Exchange in Sunny Scottsdale, AZ!.
Register now to join us for information, education, and fun!.
The Ca not Miss Idea Exchange-Linking Trading Partners & Optimizing Efficiency.
, Join with other key industry executives from the distribution, manufacturing, warehousing, and sales/agency broker segments for an informative trading partner connection.
In this highly collaborative idea exchange & networking opportunity, you'll have the chance to:.
Gain valuable insights on the latest channel trends, outlooks, and forecasts from industry experts.
Take part in best practice discussions and solutions-demonstrations.
Share your own opinions and experiences on building a more profitable and efficient supply chain for all trading partners.,.
, WHEN.
, Sunday, April 5 - Tuesday, April 7, 2009.
WHERE.
, Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains, 16770 North Perimeter Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
ATTIRE.
, Business Casual , Monday Reception is Resort Casual.
RSVP.
, March 16, 2009.
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Copyright 2009 Kinsley & Associates, LLC.
All Rights Reserved.
Innovative Astra Tool Captures Weight Data Automatically, Instantly, and Accurately.
Click here to download the PDF version >>.
Increase Productivity.
Eliminate Costly Errors.
Get Trucks Out Quicker.
Most Food Distribution/Processing/Importing companies have their sales and accounting departments fully automated, but not their processing rooms.
This means that critical tasks such as determining what to cut and pack, and the recording of individual item weights is done manually, which is time-consuming and increases the likelihood of errors., As a Technology Partner who anticipates the needs of its clients, Astra Information Systems, Incorporated , has developed a revolutionary online scale interface tool, Astra Point of Scale, which seamlessly integrates digitally capable scales to the Astra software system.
This scale integration easily and efficiently completes cutting and packing tasks, while it also automatically and accurately records that information.
The processing is streamlined, saving both time and money.
Astra Point of Scale System Functions.
Astra Point of Scale allows Astra System users to select from three operational modes: fast food, whole order, and direct scan.The fast food mode presents sales order lines for items to be packed or cut, the amount of finished product ordered for each line, the total amount that is needed, and the total whole product required to make it.
Each Astra Point of Scale user is able to select which order lines to work on from an extensive array of options including warehouse section, product, route, and date wanted.
Each station memorizes its standard selection criteria, making it very user-friendly.
Typical Astra Point of Scale users are selecting line items by product line in order to maximize production efficiency.
The whole order method fills all the lines of a customer order at one time.
The most common method is where orders are selected for a specified route.
Of course, only items that need to be weighed are displayed.
The direct scan mode works in conjunction with pre-printed bar coded pick labels or pick slips.
It jumps directly to the sales line to be filled.
This allows the Astra Point of Scale system to easily integrate into the existing flow of clients with sophisticated picking systems already in place.
Advanced Design.
The Astra Point of Scale Station integrates virtually any scale with digital output capability.
It features a water resistant POWERPAD that allows users to easily operate the system - even wearing gloves.
With an industrial strength sealed scanner, the workstations fit easily on a roll-away cart, have no moving parts to wear out, and were developed with a splash resistant keyboard.
Users simply press the print button on the scale and the data is instantly captured, error-free.
A small footprint label printer with an automatic peel and present function aids in quickly applying labels to packages.
Meeting Needs.
Astra Point of Scale has intuitive easy to use screens, and presents a more professional image by giving customers clear, concise information.
A label is produced for each package weighed making it easy for warehouse personnel to route properly., It can also scan weights from supplier labeled products, fill sales order line quantities, interface to processing, and enable bar code labeling of packages that can be scanned to verify loading on the proper delivery truck.
In addition, the software can be customized to meet a company's specific requirements.
A Competitive Edge.
Astra System clients who use Astra Point of Scale recognize the many benefits associated with using this tool.
One such client is Lombardi's Seafood Incorporated , a distributor and importer of a variety of seafood products such as mahi-mahi, tuna, grouper, swordfish, marlin, snapper, sea bass, cod, mussels, etc.
headquartered in Orlando, Florida.
They deal with a multitude of both fresh and frozen products, so being detail-oriented is essential to remaining competitive.
Lombardi's installed an Astra Point of Scale unit in it's processing room, and uses all three operational methods depending on their needs at the time.
" For us, Astra Point of Scale is foremost a great time saver, " said Operations Manager Michael Lombardi.
" At first, our fresh fish crew was completely intimidated by the thought of a computer in the processing room.
Now they ca not live without it.
Eliminating Steps.
Another satisfied Astra client, The Poseidon Group, also uses Astra Point of Scale to increase efficiency and remain competitive.
One of the largest fresh andfrozen wholesale seafood distributors in the southeast with divisions and affiliated companies in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee, the company uses six Astra Point of Scale workstations, some of which also utilize bar-code scanners to scan the vendors' labels to capture weight data directly from boxes of fish., According to Poseidon's Chief Financial Officer John Hill, the company primarily uses Astra Point of Scale's fast food mode during the night shift at its Charlotte, North Carolina operations center.
" At that time, we are mainly geared towards bulk packouts, which means a large amount of a particular species group will be cut at one time to fill many individual orders, " said Hill.
" So, we set up what we call 'species stations' at which all six of the Astra Point of Scale stations are used to determine not one order, but many orders dealing with one particular species.
For example, if one of our staff knows a total of 140 pounds of tuna is needed to fill all the orders, he makes just one trip for the tuna and brings all his work to the area to be cut.
During the day, Poseidon uses the direct scan method with three to four Astra Point of Scale stations for individual order-filling.
Working in conjunction with pre-printed bar coded pick labels, the critical information goes directly to the sales line to be filled.
Prior to using Astra Point of Scale, Poseidon workers determined what to cut, what to pack, and recorded individual item weights manually on weight sheets.
" Through Astra Point of Scale, a lot of steps which had the potential to produce errors have been eliminated, " added Hill.
" We're saving time, and have increased accuracy and efficiency.
It literally pays to take advantage of such a tool.
" Another company that went from handling processing tasks manually to the efficiency of Astra Point of Scale is Supreme Seafood, a regional distributor headquartered in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
To the delight of the company's Fresh Fish Manager, Alan Shields, they experienced immediate results.
" Astra Point of Scale improved our operations considerably within the first week of using it, " said Shields.
" You ca not even compare handling all the processing steps manually, to the streamlined integration of Astra Point of Scale.A major benefit has been the time-saving aspect - we no longer have to key in catch weights into the system after they have been weighed.
Our trucks can go out sooner, saving time and money.
Getting on the road sooner allowed us to increase the number of stops a truck could make.
According to Shields, another example of this tool is especially helpful to them is that it allows orders to be filled instantly.
" Previously, if our sales team placed late orders, we had to run invoices and then fill the orders with the weights later.
Now, because sales and production are linked, last minute add-ons instantly show up on our screen and the orders are filled immediately.
We could not be more pleased with Astra Point of Scale.
Sales Order Processing.
If there is a heart to a distributor's computer system, it's in the relationship between the salespeople and the order entry system.
For many organizations, the interaction that takes place on the phone between a salesperson and a customer is what determines the dollars in sales that can be generated.
When a customer asks for information, it's how quickly and accurately a well designed system can help the salesperson get the answers that determines the customer's perception of your business - impressed or exasperated.
The Astra System is designed for people who need answers fast, working naturally with the flow of the sales process.
THE NATURAL ORDER.
The Astra System order entry screen is easy to use because it looks like a real order form with the line items shown on the screen so the last lines entered can be seen at all times.
You can scroll up or down the lines to review with the customer what has or has not been ordered and make any changes necessary.
Inquiry screens detail the history of what has happened to any individual product from receipt, through transfers and multiple gradings, to sale or processing.
Before printing an invoice or when billing, instant deductions are made regarding product quantity on-hand.
REVERSE LOGIC.
Actually your customer probably thinks you're the one with the backwards logic if you ask him the questions the way most systems work.
The logic of old systems is to ask the customer to tell you where and how he wants to ship the order before he's ever told you what he wants.
After answering your questions, he finally asks you for the items he's interested in.
If you're out of stock, the customer just wasted several minutes of his and your salesperson's time, and neither is very satisfied.
Our answer is simple.
Get to the line items fast - asking for only the bare minimum preliminary amount of information.
Then after you've satisfied the customer's questions about what he should buy, you can fill in the shipping and terms information.
And, of course, if he changes his mind and wants to buy some additional items you can always just press a key and get right back into adding additional line items to the sale.
SALES INVOICE HISTORY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS.
Often the most asked question from a customer refers back to the last order he gave you.
The Astra System keeps the invoice history and lets you display the invoice, exactly as it was printed.
Look back at a customer sales invoice by invoice, or just display last purchases of a particular item and determine what was paid for the item each time.
Easily handles multiple unites of measure, giving the complete ability to enter orders by weight or whole/broken cases.
Automatically handles each measure of unit individually.
CROSS REFERENCED ITEMS (ALIASES).
The goal is to sell inventory using the method that best suits your customer.
You can use your customers' item codes or different manufacturers' item numbers to automatically access your inventory items.
The system will keep the customer's code and display it, as well as print whichever item number you prefer (or both) on the order, invoice, or other processing document.
OVERRIDE DESCRIPTIONS.
If the customer purchase order reads one way and your description reads a little differently, it often can eliminate collection problems if both descriptions match exactly.
Astra lets you type over the standard description (up to 60 characters) and keeps what you've entered for that customer order only.
It will print on the shipping papers and invoice, and even be kept in your detail history.
This means that when the customer calls weeks later and the salesperson pulls that invoice up on the screen, the salesperson will know exactly what the customer is talking about.
PRICING.
Astra will handle item pricing in several separate schemes or in a combination of schemes.
You may establish individual prices for an item in price levels (classes), in quantity break levels, or in customer contract prices that can be checked for expiration dates or quantities filled.
You can also price a group of similar items that have the same price with only a single price record.
The system lets you combine these pricing systems to handle almost any type of price scheme imaginable.
For example, you can assign a discount or markup structure for a class of customers that applies to certain item merchandise classes.
Astra also accommodates special " SALE " prices with beginning and ending dates.
With the feature Dynamic and Static cost plus, the projected cost for generating future prices can combine with processing to calculate the cost of items produced from a particular item.
It can also determine the whole product cost and the cost of all the related products.
CUSTOMER AND SHIP-TO INFORMATION.
Quick NEW Customer entry at order entry allows orders from new customers to be processed immediately while additional information about the customer is collected.
Order taking is not delayed.
Customer files contain key contact information including the best days and times for a salesrep to call, contact names, fax numbers, and optional truck routing information.
Customers may have any number of ship-to addresses - each with their own Route and Stop number.
New ship-to address may be added at order entry.
All credit information is automatically updated, including date of last sale, high credit, and more.,.
SALES ORDER TRANSACTIONS.
Orders with optional instant printing of pick slips or invoices.
One Step Billing.
Cash/Pick-up Counter Sales.
Credit and Debit Memos.
Quotations & Quotes to orders.
Multiple sales divisions.
Broker and Freight Upcharges.
Instantly accessible look-up windows.
While in a Sales Order - You can also:.
Inquire into open orders,.
Review detailed item sales history for this customer,.
Look at any comments written about the customer,.
See item pack information and notes,.
Review prior invoices of this customer, and.
Find outstanding quotes.
Find the RIGHT item.
The Astra System gives the ability to define individual item lookup using numerous item related fields.
With complete flexibility regarding the ability to find any item, clients determine what they want to use for their lookup.
Astra also automatically filters out criteria not needed allowing only what a client needs or wants i.e.
only items on hand or the quantity available.
A powerful tool, the Astra System allows you to look up items by:.
any part of your item number, description, or warehouse (even the beginning letter of an item),.
country or origin.
size or color.
brand and vendor,.
merchandise class,.
item search group which allows you to tie similar or related products together.
Use the Astra ORDER GUIDE for maximum efficiency!.
SALES ORDER LINES.
Item quantity entry by Weight, Whole case, or broken case.
Completely integrated handling of CATCH WEIGHTS and lot tracking.
Manual or Automatic lot assignment by oldest lot.
Stock items with description overrides, individual line item discounts and commission.
Item may ship from any warehouse or drop ship.
Items may be sold, stocked, priced, and costed in different units of measure.
Selling and pricing units may be changed during order entry.
Kits add multiple line items to the order with single item entry.
Non-stock items may be entered as needed.
Comment lines may be inserted anywhere in the order enabling specific comments or instructions to be related to any line items.
automatic reminder displays and order comments by customer and item or item class.
Cost Only (phantom) lines help you to track real profitability.
Substitute line items.
Miscellaneous charge line items may be entered.
Broker, Rebate, Freight, or any other fees may be added into the price and tracked for true profit analysis.
In processing, sales order lines may generate production orders.
Allows the selection from various whole products, and allocates whole product based on yield expected.
MULTIPLE PICKING TICKETS ALLOWED FOR EACH ORDER.
If desired orders may be split into separate pick tickets for each warehouse or drop ship lines.
Can be faxed or emailed to public warehouse facilities.
Simple truck routing., System label printing features:.
Prints item labels, bin labels, pick labels.
OVERDUE INVOICE AND CREDIT LIMIT CHECK.
Checked before and/or after order is entered then the operator has option (based on their security level) of placing the order on CREDIT HOLD.
PURCHASE ORDER REQUESTS.
Reminds Purchasing if insufficient stock is available or if a non-stock item is entered.
Substitution option at the item level.
Can automatically replace the entered item or optionally suggest a substitute to help relieve overstock situations.
OTHER FEATURES.
Take a deposit and place it against the order.
A deposit may be taken by credit card or check.
Instant on-demand picking slips and invoices.
Immediate On-line inventory commitment.
Order notes.
Instant price calculations and override capability.
Print Bills of Lading.
Optional automatic update of customer contract item price.
Optional Box Tracking with bar code scanning and automated order release and invoicing.
Optional General Ledger Interface with selected level of detail posting.
SALES ALLOCATION AGAINST PURCHASES FEATURE.
Provides the ability to sell and allocate product on purchase orders before it arrives at the warehouse.
From Astra's powerful Lot Order Guide, sales representatives are able to see items that are currently on purchase orders with the expected delivery dates and their available quantity to give them enhanced control of the purchased product.
This also enables them to maximize their opportunity to sell some or all of a product in transit, and then maintain the linkage through to arrival at any warehouse.,.
Order Guide.
Designed to cut the time it takes to enter an order by 50% or more, salespeople will actually want to enter orders while they're on the phone!.
Customers want answers fast.
Salespeople want to take the order and move to the next call even faster.
The key to the interaction between salesperson and customer is what can make it easier to get the information for the customer and faster to take the order.
The Astra Order Guide lets the salesrep look at the items the same way a customer sees them.
Pull the items right into an order form by:.
Customer Price List with the customer's item numbers and descriptions,.
Last order,.
History of item purchases,.
Any prior invoice,.
Look-up of any specified criteria.
Once you're in the Astra Order Guide, you can answer key questions immediately from the screen display of date of the last sale, the last price paid, the quantity of the last purchase and the current price and product availability.
If more information is needed, the Order Guide gives immediately access to detailed sales history, pack information and the availability in other warehouses.
The salesrep only has to key in the quantities being ordered and the system will do the rest!.
LOT TRACKING.
This critical module keeps all cost and date information on perishables at your fingertips.
It works with items that must be tracked by lot number such as fish, meat, or any dated inventory that spoils with time.
Extensive research has made this complex system easy to use and seamlessly integrated into standard operations.
Tracks and ages items by date received.
Reports on inventory by date received.
Inventory information center provides lot detail displays.
Inventory may be allocated at order entry or at order release.
Automatically or manually selected.
All cost and profit information flow from the actual lot sold.
Supported in Physical Inventory module.
Optional Bar Code interface.
Capture HACCP data.
Detail sales history by lot.
Optional Sales Order Accessories.
IMPORT & SHIPMENT TRACKING.
Complete tracking of importing costs with on-line or after the fact calculation of true landed costs by lot, shipment, or container.
Shipment tracking with the option to allow sales orders to allocate against product in transit.
Handles consignment (shared risk) inventory tracking and liquidation.
Allows changes to cost after product has been shipped.
The most advanced importing features in the industry !.
MASTER DISTRIBUTOR FEATURES.
The perfect compliment to the Astra Importing and Shipment Tracking system, special features for Master Distributors allow clients to sell effectively to regional distributors through the help of a powerful Lot Order Guide, efficiently handle duty, freight and brokerage, reconcile estimated freight, and price product with freight cost included.
Master Distributors are also offered extensive options for holding product which include the ability to:.
Hold product for a Salesrep, Customer or Speculation.
Hold product in advance of PO receipt.
Generate a Hold report that allows each salesrep to review what product has been put aside for them and their customers.
View through Astra Information Center screens all the HELD records for a specific item, lot or salesrep.
This allows salesrep to see what is being HELD on a Purchase Order to they do not sell what they ca not deliver.
PRODUCT PROCESSING.
For meat and fish processing distributors.
Allocates whole fish or primal.
Handles immediate and planned production with the ability for sales orders to generate production orders.
Sales orders can optionally prompt salesrep to select which whole product to use based on available quantity and estimated selling price or cost.
Drill down to production orders from various relevant information center displays The system tracks yields, labor, additional materials, packaging, and byproducts with complete lot tracking and costing.
MULTI-PRODUCT PROCESSING.
Helps achieve more efficient grading and processing for items that produce a variety of finished products with different market values.
This feature accurately creates and maintains Production Orders in Astra's Food Processing application system.
For example, all whole fish going in, as well as all the different products coming out, including the skin and frame by-products, are more easily and accurately tracked and costed.
This feature also allows customers to accommodate and allocate all the costs involved in proportion to the selling (market) value of the item.
These costs may include the initial cost of the product, processing labor, other ingredients and overhead.
The packaging costs are added to the cost of the individual finished items, while the by-products can be assigned a fixed value to further increase accurate costing of the primary items.
RECIPE/PROCESS MFG.
Batch process mfg environment.
Allows for recipe experimentation and shows waste and yields.
Reports raw material needs.
POINT OF SALE.
This module works with a terminal equipped as cash register with a cash drawer and receipt printer.
This allows a cash & carry, counter sales, or retail operation to be linked on-line to the same inventory from which other salespersons may be selling.
Includes cash drawer reconciliation.
TELEMARKETING.
The Astra Systems telemarketing feature offers online displays to prompt salesreps to effectively make calls, tracks which customers need to be called, and records responses.
Separate prospect lists for cold-calling, as well as existing customer base lists can be used.
The feature tells salesreps, for example, which customers need to be called based on a variety of factors such as a determined follow-up day, the day of the week, or the number of days since their last order.
After choosing a customer listed on the screen, the salesrep can also review previous notes about the customer or enter new notes.
If the customer is ready to place an order, the salesrep can go directly to order entry with the customer still linked.
EDI.
Electronic Data Interchange capability to automatically input orders from major customers without manual data entry.,.
Other Innovative Options.
POINT OF SCALE.
Astra's Point of Scale seamlessly integrates digitally capable scales to the Astra software system.
Point of Scale allows Astra System users to select from three operational modes fast food mode which presents sales order lines for items to be packed or cut, the amount of finished product ordered for each line, the total amount that is needed and the total whole product required to make it, whole order, which fills one complete customer order at a time, and direct scan which works in conjunction with pre-printed bar coded pick labels or pick slips.
GRAPHICAL TRUCK ROUTING SYSTEM.
Designed to help companies that route trucks by displaying complex information in an easy to understand format, Astra's Graphical Truck Routing System:.
Quickens the routing process by allowing direct modification of order information with various tools to assist the routing manager.
Displays all routes and loads for specified date.
Prints Load Sheets and Delivery Tickets.
Changes stop numbers easily.
Handles multiple loads on each route.
Gives the ability to check the order detail lines.
Displays all orders for a specific route with address, weight and other key information.
Allows for easy drag & drop orders from one route to another.
BAR CODED ORDER FULFILLMENT.
Via bar code scanning, clients can not only achieve stringent control over inventory, but salesreps also know what is available for sale at any time and orders are filled quickly and accurately.
Using a wireless RF Terminal or handheld scanner, information on any item, box or lot and the catch weight is instantly captured and validated to efficiently fill orders.
Errors dramatically decrease because information is no longer input and handled manually.
Changes recorded between 07/19/09 13:15 and 07/23/09 09:31
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Last updated in 2009. Inventory Software Network
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